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Bucs will be strictly business for game in London

The Associated Press

Workers get the pitch ready at London's Wembley Stadium on Wednesday in anticipation of Sunday's Bucs-Patriots game.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 21, 2009

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing their best to make this weekend's Atlantic Crossing a business trip.

Players and coaches are leaving Friday for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots at London's Wembley Stadium and there won't be much of an opportunity for sightseeing.

"We won't have a lot of time to do what we want to do – and that's probably a good thing,'' said guard Davin Joseph. "I want to look around a little bit when we get there, but we all realize we have a game to play. It's really not the ideal vacation. I'll probably meet a lot of cool people and have some good food.''

The Patriots are departing after Thursday's practice, and Bucs wide receiver Michael Clayton prefers Tampa Bay's travel itinerary.

"From my experiences, the earlier you fly over, the worse it is for you to adjust,'' he said. "We're playing a game a day after we arrive and I think that physically, it's the right way to go. The longer I've stayed somewhere, it's been more difficult to adjust to the time difference. I don't know why that is.

"We'll have a 12 o'clock curfew once we get there. There's not a lot of time to go out and do sightseeing, but I know London has some nice shops. I'd better come back with something for my wife.''

Even New England coach Bill Belichick, admittedly a creature of habit, is looking forward to a fresh challenge.

"We'll be there early Friday morning and we'll have to make the adjustment,'' said Belichick, 127-40 with the Patriots. "This time, we're heading east, a different direction for us. There are probably pros and cons to whatever approach you pick.

"I've been in this league a long time and never really had a game like this. It certainly breaks up your routine. We're playing in a very storied venue. It's definitely unique and that part of the game is interesting, but Tampa is the priority right now.''

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