Monday, October 15, 2012

Gailey, Jackson explain value of staying out West

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills knew staying out West between their Week 5 game against the San Francisco 49ers and Week 6 bout with the Arizona Cardinals would be beneficial for jet lag and practice routine purposes.

It might've been even more valuable than they thought.

After getting blown out 45-3 in San Francisco following a 52-28 stinker against the New England Patriots, Buffalo camped out in Arizona in preparation for the overachieving Cards. The Bills left the desert with a 19-16 overtime victory and a share of the AFC East lead, tiebreakers aside, at 3-3.

“Guys had to lean on each other while we were out here and we had to lean on each other during the game," Bills running back Fred Jackson told reporters after the game. "Defense, special teams, and offense played well. I think guys are growing up and coming together.”

Even Chan Gailey, who had the ultimate say in the team's between-games operation, admitted he wasn't sure how it would pan out, but he was glad he made the decision to stay.

"I didn't know it at the time we set it up or during the course of the week," Gailey said. "Talking to the guys late this week and hearing the guys talk to each other, I think it was valuable for us."

The Bills return home to host the Tennessee Titans in a very winnable game before getting their bye Week 8.

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