YardRat
11-09-2007, 05:25 AM
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071109/SPORTS03/711090349/1007/SPORTS
Do the Bills fear a letdown against the 0-8 Dolphins, especially considering that the unbeaten New England Patriots are just around the corner the following Sunday?
Think about it: A team that was outscored 79-24 in opening the season with three losses, a team that was piled at the curb next to the blue recycling bin at One Bills Drive, is being credited with the right to overlook an opponent.
"We don't see it that way. We see it like we still have a lot of work to do," guard Derrick Dockery said. "I believe our leadership group will make us stay humble, stay focused."
That diligent approach, combined with the team's cohesiveness, is a primary reasons why the Bills overcame the 0-3 start and climbed to 4-4.
It's also why they say they're not worried about overconfidence.
"In past years, we probably would have," said Coy Wire, the defensive back converted to outside linebacker converted to middle linebacker. "With this group, it's not a question. We have guys that are here until 9 o'clock at night. We have groups of guys getting together on their own. The defensive backs and linebackers are meeting during the week; we have some fellowship and food, but we're also sitting in front of film and going over our game calls.
"Those types of things put us in position to be ready when the opportunity is there. Maybe before we weren't worthy of things to go our way."
Indeed, Dockery says preparation is critical to success.
"That's what I love about the NFL: It doesn't matter if you have no wins, you're 5-5 or you're undefeated," Dockery said. "If you don't come prepared, if you don't execute, you will be defeated."
Do the Bills fear a letdown against the 0-8 Dolphins, especially considering that the unbeaten New England Patriots are just around the corner the following Sunday?
Think about it: A team that was outscored 79-24 in opening the season with three losses, a team that was piled at the curb next to the blue recycling bin at One Bills Drive, is being credited with the right to overlook an opponent.
"We don't see it that way. We see it like we still have a lot of work to do," guard Derrick Dockery said. "I believe our leadership group will make us stay humble, stay focused."
That diligent approach, combined with the team's cohesiveness, is a primary reasons why the Bills overcame the 0-3 start and climbed to 4-4.
It's also why they say they're not worried about overconfidence.
"In past years, we probably would have," said Coy Wire, the defensive back converted to outside linebacker converted to middle linebacker. "With this group, it's not a question. We have guys that are here until 9 o'clock at night. We have groups of guys getting together on their own. The defensive backs and linebackers are meeting during the week; we have some fellowship and food, but we're also sitting in front of film and going over our game calls.
"Those types of things put us in position to be ready when the opportunity is there. Maybe before we weren't worthy of things to go our way."
Indeed, Dockery says preparation is critical to success.
"That's what I love about the NFL: It doesn't matter if you have no wins, you're 5-5 or you're undefeated," Dockery said. "If you don't come prepared, if you don't execute, you will be defeated."