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Raiders Vs. Falcons, Week 6: Tony Gonzalez not buying into the hype

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is helping to keep the team grounded despite their 5-0 start. What does he think about the Oakland Raiders' chances this weekend?

Kevin Liles-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is leading the league in receptions with 39 while the Falcons have raced out to a 5-0 start. Despite that, he is staying very grounded and not buying into the hype that people have laid on the team. In his locker room interview on Thursday, Gonzalez says that in addition to himself, Dirk Koetter, the teams offensive coordinator has been stressing that sentiment:

"I know I've been stressing that, but obviously Smitty has been the one stressing that. In meeting rooms, that's the first thing he says is don't buy into the hype. The offensive coordinator says that, Dirk Koetter. Why do that at this point anyways? Especially, after the last two games that we've played. We can play a lot better."

Despite the Oakland Raiders entering the game at 1-3, Gonzalez knows that they are just as capable of defeating them as anyone in the league:

"I expect nothing less from the Raiders this week. They're going to come in here ready to go and primed to get an upset. Why wouldn't you? If I was in their position, I would do the same thing. I would prepare my best and be ready to go."

In addition to the 39 catches, Gonzalez has 388 yards and has scored 4 touchdowns, one away from 100 for his career. The Falcons play the Raiders at the Georgia Dome on Sunday with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET with television coverage on CBS.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.