Ask any member of the Bills Mafia if they prefer the Bills be favored going into a game and we can almost guarantee you, the answer is a resounding no.
The Bills (12-3) have thrived over the last couple of seasons while being doubted and dismissed. It is an identity that lends itself perfectly in many ways, to the city of Buffalo. Often overlooked, rarely celebrated.
While flying under the radar might be preferable, with the season the Bills have had, it just couldn’t continue forever.
As praise from those outside the organization continues to mount, the Bills continue to dismantle opponents on the national stage, only growing expectations. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott was asked after the game how his team now transitions from that underdog role to operating with a target on their back.
“You can ride that underdog deal for some amount of time,” McDermott said via video conference follow Buffalo’s 38-9 win over the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. “But when you become good, I guess is the best way to say it, you gotta also know how to be good.”
McDermott raises a great point. Being “good” on the field is one thing, but knowing how to handle all that comes with it, is another.
When thinking of of McDermott’s “process” learning how to be good certainly seems to coincide with his other popular catchphrase of remaining humble and hungry.
“I think that comes over time,” McDermott continued. “I think what you’re seeing is the maturation, professionalism and leadership of our players.”
Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins, as he often does, had his own way of describing where the Bills are at as a team. It was a unique, as one would already “Schnow” with Dawkins.
“We’re nobody’s little brother,” Dawkins said. “We’re here and you’re going to respect us.”
While Dawkins is certain these Bills deserve respect, he also knows the job is not done.
“We still haven’t done anything yet,” he added. “We need to do what we’re doing now in the playoffs.”
Fellow offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, also echoed a similar sentiment.
“None of this means anything right now unless we go out and handle our business in the postseason,” Feliciano said.
While the Bills are not going to be overlooked by anyone going forward, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to play like it.
Bills Defensive End, Jerry Hughes, perhaps put it best.
“That chip stays because that’s who we are, it’s our DNA,” Hughes said.
Perhaps the key to being “good” isn’t channeling the disrespect, but rather ignoring the outside noise all together.
The Bills have believed in this themselves from the moment this season started… and at 12-3 & second place in the AFC, it’s worked out pretty well for them.
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