ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — So long as the Buffalo Bills keep winning, coach Chan Gailey will gladly trade the alarming number of yards his defense is allowing in exchange for its opportunistic ability to force turnovers.
Gailey had little to complain about Monday, a day after a 31-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Buffalo rattled Michael Vick by intercepting the quarterback a career-worst four times, including linebacker Nick Barnetts interception return for a touchdown.
Buffalos five takeaways — including a fumble — translated into 17 points, which more than made up for the 489 yards allowed.
Turnovers have become the difference for a rope-a-dope style defense, which ranks 29th in yards allowed but leads the league with 16 takeaways.
The Bills (4-1) travel to play the New York Giants (3-2) on Sunday.