By Jay Skurski
PHOENIX -- Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey wasn't sure what to make of staying out west all week.
After the Bills' beat the Arizona Cardinals, 19-16, in overtime Sunday, he was all for it.
"I didn't know it at the time we set it up or during the course of the week. Talking to the guys late this week and hearing the guys talk to each other, I think it was valuable for us," Gailey said.
That sentiment was echoed by several players.
"In Arizona, we were away from the distractions. It was just us in there. It was a chance for us to soul search and correct what we needed to get correct without the distractions of being back at home. It was like a getaway and great for us mentally to just be able to regroup," said safety Jairus Byrd, whose two interceptions played a big role in the win.
"Being here the whole week and being around each other every day with no distractions, just putting that [us] against the world mentality, we needed it big time," said defensive end Mario Williams, who had a pair of sacks.
It was a homecoming for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who's from nearby Gilbert.
"I got to spend some time at my house out here. I got to spend some time at my parents' house. It was nice for me to be able to relax a little bit. You don't get that during the season at all, especially during a game week" he said. "It was nice for me to get out here. Waking up to the sunshine and blue skies, I think everybody has a deep appreciation for Arizona now."
Especially after leaving with a victory.
