"There were plenty of things the Patriots could use as motivation going into their Week 5 matchup against the Bills, as they were considered major underdogs going against what would be the final undefeated team of the season. That was reportedly all the motivation they needed, especially when reporters responded to questions about their predictions for the game with certainty about a Bills win. But that's apparently not the only part of the week that the players used as bulletin board material."
"Mike Vrabel knew how big a week this game was going to be, as it was their first primetime game of the season against the reigning divisional champions. So, he decided to have former Patriots safety and NFL Hall of Famer Rodney Harrison, as well as legendary head coach Tony Dungy, speak to the team ahead of the game, which ended up making a bigger impact on them than maybe Vrabel had anticipated."
Considered major underdogs, the Patriots faced the final undefeated team in Week 5 and received widespread predictions favoring the Bills. Mike Vrabel scheduled speeches from former Patriots safety and Hall of Famer Rodney Harrison and ex-Colts head coach Tony Dungy before the primetime game. Dungy emphasized sticking together, owning and knowing roles, and that message resonated with a predominantly young roster. Players and reporters' certainty about a Bills win became bulletin-board motivation. The Patriots executed across phases on Sunday night, outplaying the Bills and securing the victory, aided by Vrabel's leadership and roster cohesion.
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