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After watching his top two running backs succumb to injury in the preseason opener, Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey wanted to avoid a repeat at any cost last night at Ford Field in Detroit so he kept rookie running back sensation C.J. Spiller out of the game entirely.
Once his starting offense built a 10-0 lead on the Lions he pulled them from the game as well, and Detroit did pretty much the same as both teams placed a priority on entering the regular season as healthy as possible. Considering the tough road that lies ahead for the Bills in a competitive AFC East, the strategy made plenty of sense, according to Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News.
Starting quarterback Trent Edwards successfully led the first-team offense on a 13-play, 65-yard scoring drive that resulted in a 47-yard field goal by Rian Lindell, and fortunately for him and the rest of the starters, cornerback Drayton Florence had a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown on Detroit's third play, so that comfortable lead made it easier for Gailey to pull the plug.
"We wanted to run the ball an throw a couple deep [passes]," said Edwards, who finished 4-of-4 for 66 yards and a 118.8 passer rating. "I think we accomplished that on the first drive. Chan said we were going to get around 12 plays and we put together a 13-play drive. In terms of what we were looking for, it was a good way to start the game."
On the flip side, Gailey couldn't have been too pleased to see third-string quarterback Brian Brohm finish as the Bills' leading rusher with four carries for 34 yards. As a team, Buffalo rushed for just 97 yards on 36 carries, an average of 2.7 yards per carry in a 28-23 loss.
"I thought our first groups went out there and did OK; not great, but OK," Gailey said. "It was a great interception to score. That was big."
The Bills host the division rival Miami Dolphins a week from Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the season opener for both teams, so they will not have their usual homefield weather advantage like when the two teams play there in December. It will be a good test right out of the gate as Miami, with big offseason acquisitions Brandon Marshall on offense and Karlos Dansby on defense has its sights set on making a push for the playoffs.
Bills Rest Rookie RB C.J. Spiller in Preseason Finale
Sep 3, 2010 – 4:39 PM
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