Jeff's Blog
Jeff joined Channel 7 in 2003 as a sports anchor/reporter and was promoted to Sports Director in December 2007. A native of Rochester, Jeff was excited to get back to Western New York after serving as Sports Director and anchor for the ABC affiliate in Kearney, Nebraska, where he was honored with the Associated Press award for “Top Sportscast” in the state. He was also the recipient of six Nebraska Associated Press Awards in his time there.
After graduating from SUNY Fredonia in 1997, Jeff got his start in broadcasting in Jamestown, NY as a sportscaster and reporter for Time Warner Cable Channel 8 from 1998-2001.
In addition to being Channel 7’s Sports Director, he is also a contributor to the “Bills All Access” program and can be seen on the Jumbotron at Ralph Wilson Stadium hosting the halftime highlight show during Buffalo Bills Home games.
Jeff is recently married and he and his wife currently make their home in Buffalo. When he’s not working, Jeff likes to play basketball, jog and of course, relax at home.
Orchard Park (WKBW) Things worked out perfectly in the eyes of the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. The team was able to trade down, pick up a couple of picks, and get who the team believes is the franchise quarterback they were looking for. I hope they're right.
EJ Manuel was not the highest rated quarterback on many 'experts" boards, he was perhaps fourth or fifth for some. Former Bills GM Bill Polian said on ESPN he was "shocked" by the pick. ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay called the pick "a waste'.
I'm going to be a bit more patient.
The Bills scoured this years quarterback class. They had meetings at the combine, traveled in numbers to pro days, hosted several for pre-draft visits at One Bills Drive. They went through the process. When it was all said and done, with every option still on the board at, they decided to go with Manuel. Not Geno Smith, not the easy pick of Ryan Nassib, EJ Manuel. That to me counts for something.
The Bills admit he has his faults. He's been docked for his accuracy, consistency and decision making. Other options may have been more ready right away but the Bills believe Manuel has the higher upside and the physical ability to succeed. Buddy Nix said he has the ability to "take you to the dance" . We'll see.
I think he's a project with enough potential to be ok with the pick. He's 6-foot-5, has a big arm and the ability to make plays with his feet. He was a leader at Florida State.
The Bills have been talking about adding a franchise quarterback for months. I can't tell you that he'll be the answer, but I don't mind that the Bills took a shot at a guy they did they're homework on.
EJ Manuel was not the highest rated quarterback on many 'experts" boards, he was perhaps fourth or fifth for some. Former Bills GM Bill Polian said on ESPN he was "shocked" by the pick. ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay called the pick "a waste'.
I'm going to be a bit more patient.
The Bills scoured this years quarterback class. They had meetings at the combine, traveled in numbers to pro days, hosted several for pre-draft visits at One Bills Drive. They went through the process. When it was all said and done, with every option still on the board at, they decided to go with Manuel. Not Geno Smith, not the easy pick of Ryan Nassib, EJ Manuel. That to me counts for something.
The Bills admit he has his faults. He's been docked for his accuracy, consistency and decision making. Other options may have been more ready right away but the Bills believe Manuel has the higher upside and the physical ability to succeed. Buddy Nix said he has the ability to "take you to the dance" . We'll see.
I think he's a project with enough potential to be ok with the pick. He's 6-foot-5, has a big arm and the ability to make plays with his feet. He was a leader at Florida State.
The Bills have been talking about adding a franchise quarterback for months. I can't tell you that he'll be the answer, but I don't mind that the Bills took a shot at a guy they did they're homework on.
Buffalo (WKBW) George Wilson believes the writing was on the wall. The now former Bills safety says he was not surprised to learn of his release on Monday.
"Watching how things played out I knew it was on the horizon" Wilson told Eyewitness Sports Director Jeff Russo on Tuesday. "Anyone who has been around this business long enough can see the signs. Safeties don't rotate in the NFL", said Wilson on the phone.
Wilson started in all 16 games for the Bills at strong safety in 2012, but shared time with second year defensive back Da'Norris Searcy. "That was something the team wanted to do. We did it during the off-season and we did it during the regular season. Yesterday was just something that was coming", said Wilson.
Wilson, who originally was signed to the Bills practice squad in 2004, says while it's tough to leave a place he's grown to love he understands the NFL is a business. He's also glad that the Bills made the move sooner then later. "Buddy (Nix) told me they are going in a different direction but they wanted to do it early enough to allow me to get on with another team. That is something that I appreciate. They could have strung me along with the intention of cutting me at training camp", said Wilson.
It may not take long for Wilson to find a new home. The 31-year old says his agent has already received calls from other NFL teams. He says he's looking forward to a new opportunity but will miss Buffalo and the Western New York area. "I loved it. It was a place that I felt like was home to me. The fans of Western New York made it that way. I am very grateful for my opportunity in Buffalo"
"Watching how things played out I knew it was on the horizon" Wilson told Eyewitness Sports Director Jeff Russo on Tuesday. "Anyone who has been around this business long enough can see the signs. Safeties don't rotate in the NFL", said Wilson on the phone.
Wilson started in all 16 games for the Bills at strong safety in 2012, but shared time with second year defensive back Da'Norris Searcy. "That was something the team wanted to do. We did it during the off-season and we did it during the regular season. Yesterday was just something that was coming", said Wilson.
Wilson, who originally was signed to the Bills practice squad in 2004, says while it's tough to leave a place he's grown to love he understands the NFL is a business. He's also glad that the Bills made the move sooner then later. "Buddy (Nix) told me they are going in a different direction but they wanted to do it early enough to allow me to get on with another team. That is something that I appreciate. They could have strung me along with the intention of cutting me at training camp", said Wilson.
It may not take long for Wilson to find a new home. The 31-year old says his agent has already received calls from other NFL teams. He says he's looking forward to a new opportunity but will miss Buffalo and the Western New York area. "I loved it. It was a place that I felt like was home to me. The fans of Western New York made it that way. I am very grateful for my opportunity in Buffalo"
Miami Gardens (WKBW) We've always known Eric Wood is a fierce competitor. This week we learned he has no problem being honest.
Wednesday Wood refused to take back his comments about the Toronto Series being "a joke". Sunday, on the heels of the Bills 10th loss of the season, Wood wasn't shy about the possibility of change
within the organization.
"I'd hate to start over and that's not what I want but when you lose this many games I understand change happens. And
it's gonna happen at some position. That's just the way the league works", said Wood. "I hope for zero change. I appreciate
the guys we have and I think we can win with this group but the reality of the league is when you lose this many games
something is obviously going to happen", Wood continued.
Clearly the future remains uncertain for Chan Gailey.
The loss to the Dolphins dropped the Bills to 15-and-32 in three seasons under the head coach.
Gailey was asked point blank if he was concerned about his job status following the 24-10 setback at Sun Life Stadium.
"No", said Gailey. "I'm worried about getting better. Playing to our abilities. We are not there", said the head coach.
Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said earlier in the season that Gailey would be back. I wonder how he feels now with losses in four of the last five.Over the last two weeks Nix has declined to speak about the future of the team until after the season but
he obviously has some decisions to make.
As much as I believe in continuity, and as much as I like Chan Gailey as a person, it's nearly impossible to preach progress at
5-and-10. The Bills need a win over the Jets in the finale just to match their record from last season. This in a year that that team was expected to take a big step forward.
"You can turn on the film and I think we are better than last year or the year before, but when you don't win games
you can't justify that", said Wood.
Tough to also justify not making any changes at this point.
All week long leading into the Dolphins game we heard about playing for pride, playing for each other and playing for the coaches.
Now what??
Wednesday Wood refused to take back his comments about the Toronto Series being "a joke". Sunday, on the heels of the Bills 10th loss of the season, Wood wasn't shy about the possibility of change
within the organization.
"I'd hate to start over and that's not what I want but when you lose this many games I understand change happens. And
it's gonna happen at some position. That's just the way the league works", said Wood. "I hope for zero change. I appreciate
the guys we have and I think we can win with this group but the reality of the league is when you lose this many games
something is obviously going to happen", Wood continued.
Clearly the future remains uncertain for Chan Gailey.
The loss to the Dolphins dropped the Bills to 15-and-32 in three seasons under the head coach.
Gailey was asked point blank if he was concerned about his job status following the 24-10 setback at Sun Life Stadium.
"No", said Gailey. "I'm worried about getting better. Playing to our abilities. We are not there", said the head coach.
Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said earlier in the season that Gailey would be back. I wonder how he feels now with losses in four of the last five.Over the last two weeks Nix has declined to speak about the future of the team until after the season but
he obviously has some decisions to make.
As much as I believe in continuity, and as much as I like Chan Gailey as a person, it's nearly impossible to preach progress at
5-and-10. The Bills need a win over the Jets in the finale just to match their record from last season. This in a year that that team was expected to take a big step forward.
"You can turn on the film and I think we are better than last year or the year before, but when you don't win games
you can't justify that", said Wood.
Tough to also justify not making any changes at this point.
All week long leading into the Dolphins game we heard about playing for pride, playing for each other and playing for the coaches.
Now what??
Orchard Park (WKBW.com) I was standing in almost the same spot on the sideline. I must have been crazy to think that this time it was going to end differently. Swap out Matt Hasselbeck and Nate Washington for Sam Bradford and Brandon Gibson and you have the Tennessee loss all over again.
4th quarter lead. Chance to finish. Late touchdown. Disappointment.
5-and-8. Bring on the draft.
Giving up the Bradford to Gibson 13 yard touchdown was a tough way to finish for a Bills defense that otherwise played very well. But you have to make plays with the game on the line. George Wilson had a chance or two on the final drive. Wilson had an interception in his hands that could have ended the game. He had a chance against Tennessee as well.
Head Coach Chan Gailey called the loss a "tough pill to swallow". Unfortunately it was a a familiar one as well.
I've said it before I'm tired of this team starting over, but Gailey is becoming more difficult to defend each and every week. Personally I think he's one of the good guys, but he had another tough day on the coaching front against the Rams.
8 touches for C.J. Spiller??? On a day the offense struggled to find a rhythm that's inexcusable. Gailey was able to find a flow and solid production in using both Fred Jackson and Spiller against the Jaguars, but it wasn't working against the Rams. Spiller was again professional in his post game comments but admitted he's frustrated. As a competitor he believes he can help the offense be more productive. He's obviously proven it. He's right. In my mind Fred Jackson still adds plenty to the offense, but in a game you needed a spark Spiller needs more touches.
Ryan Fitzpatrick said his team needs to develop a killer instinct.
The lack of that in this game falls on Gailey as well. Questionable decisions in terms of time management and situations hurt the head coach again.
The Bills had a great opportunity to be aggressive late in the first half. Stephon Gilmore's interception gave the offense the ball back with 1:15 to play. The offense had moved down to the Rams 23 with :32 to play, but failed to take a shot at the endzone. Gailey then called a time out with :11 seconds remaining before kicking a 40 yard FG leaving time on the clock for St. Louis. The gaffe didn't hurt the Bills, but it could have.
Gailey's conservative approach became even more difficult to figure out in the fourth quarter. The Bills faced a 4th and 7 from Rams 34 Rian Lindell would trot out to attempt a 52 yard FG before Gailey called a time out. Gailey then sent the punt unit out. If you are going to punt why not take a delay of game and save the time out?? A time out the Bills could have used on their final drive.
"I was trying to get that to them to take a delay of game and Scott Chandler saw me tell them to take the delay of game, but I did not know he got the word", said Gailey. "So I was scared they were going to snap it. That is why I called the timeout"
So why not kick a 52 yard FG??
"When they first told me it was a 50-yard field goal instead of a 52, 53 yard field goal. We had just dropped the snap on the extra point, so that is why I pulled them back out of there", said Gailey.
Rian Lindell was clearly upset on the sideline when Gailey pulled him off to punt. "I want to kick them all, you know what I mean??" said Lindell after the game.
So why not be aggressive and go for it?? You were on the Rams 34!!
"We were not going to go for it there. The defense was playing good. We were going to try to pin them back", said Gailey.
The punt ended up working out. Ruvell Martin helped pin the Rams on the 3, but 3 points would have put the Bills up 8. A touchdown there would have put the Bills up 12 with 11:52 left.
It's that lack of killer instinct that killed the Bills again.
It's the lack of killer instinct that has the Bills at 5-8.
4th quarter lead. Chance to finish. Late touchdown. Disappointment.
5-and-8. Bring on the draft.
Giving up the Bradford to Gibson 13 yard touchdown was a tough way to finish for a Bills defense that otherwise played very well. But you have to make plays with the game on the line. George Wilson had a chance or two on the final drive. Wilson had an interception in his hands that could have ended the game. He had a chance against Tennessee as well.
Head Coach Chan Gailey called the loss a "tough pill to swallow". Unfortunately it was a a familiar one as well.
I've said it before I'm tired of this team starting over, but Gailey is becoming more difficult to defend each and every week. Personally I think he's one of the good guys, but he had another tough day on the coaching front against the Rams.
8 touches for C.J. Spiller??? On a day the offense struggled to find a rhythm that's inexcusable. Gailey was able to find a flow and solid production in using both Fred Jackson and Spiller against the Jaguars, but it wasn't working against the Rams. Spiller was again professional in his post game comments but admitted he's frustrated. As a competitor he believes he can help the offense be more productive. He's obviously proven it. He's right. In my mind Fred Jackson still adds plenty to the offense, but in a game you needed a spark Spiller needs more touches.
Ryan Fitzpatrick said his team needs to develop a killer instinct.
The lack of that in this game falls on Gailey as well. Questionable decisions in terms of time management and situations hurt the head coach again.
The Bills had a great opportunity to be aggressive late in the first half. Stephon Gilmore's interception gave the offense the ball back with 1:15 to play. The offense had moved down to the Rams 23 with :32 to play, but failed to take a shot at the endzone. Gailey then called a time out with :11 seconds remaining before kicking a 40 yard FG leaving time on the clock for St. Louis. The gaffe didn't hurt the Bills, but it could have.
Gailey's conservative approach became even more difficult to figure out in the fourth quarter. The Bills faced a 4th and 7 from Rams 34 Rian Lindell would trot out to attempt a 52 yard FG before Gailey called a time out. Gailey then sent the punt unit out. If you are going to punt why not take a delay of game and save the time out?? A time out the Bills could have used on their final drive.
"I was trying to get that to them to take a delay of game and Scott Chandler saw me tell them to take the delay of game, but I did not know he got the word", said Gailey. "So I was scared they were going to snap it. That is why I called the timeout"
So why not kick a 52 yard FG??
"When they first told me it was a 50-yard field goal instead of a 52, 53 yard field goal. We had just dropped the snap on the extra point, so that is why I pulled them back out of there", said Gailey.
Rian Lindell was clearly upset on the sideline when Gailey pulled him off to punt. "I want to kick them all, you know what I mean??" said Lindell after the game.
So why not be aggressive and go for it?? You were on the Rams 34!!
"We were not going to go for it there. The defense was playing good. We were going to try to pin them back", said Gailey.
The punt ended up working out. Ruvell Martin helped pin the Rams on the 3, but 3 points would have put the Bills up 8. A touchdown there would have put the Bills up 12 with 11:52 left.
It's that lack of killer instinct that killed the Bills again.
It's the lack of killer instinct that has the Bills at 5-8.
Indianapolis - (WKBW) Players said their playoffs began last week. They essentially ended on Sunday with the 20-13 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. In a game the Bills had to have, they didn't have it. Not at Quarterback. Not in Coaching.
The one guy that did have it for the offense didn't touch the ball nearly enough. C.J. Spiller averaged 7.6 yards a carry against the Colts, but finished with only 14 carries for 107 yards. His lack of opportunities against a defense that had struggled against the run
was just one of the mind numbing problems coming out of the loss.
The Colts defense entered the day without the teams top cornerback available in Vontae Davis, but the Bills couldn't take advantage on a consistent basis. Ryan Fitzpatrick finished 17-for-33 for 180 yards a touchdown and an interception. He hit Stevie Johnson for a 63-yard strike, but missed on open opportunities down the field to Spiller and Donald Jones. His interception in the fourth quarter should have all but done the Bills in until Johnson forced the fumble. The Bills went three and out with a chance to tie the game at 20 after getting the ball back with under four minutes to play.
Add the Bills lack of production inside the red zone to the list of problems. Once again the Bills struggled inside the 20. The 1-3 performance on Sunday dropped the Bills 1-7 in their last two games in the red zone. You can put a lot of that on play calling. You can put a lot of that on Chan Gailey.
Gailey had a very tough day on several fronts against the Colts. He chose not to kick what would have amounted to a 52 yard FG
indoors and rather elected to punt the ball from the Indianapolis 34. Gailey said after the game that Rian Lindells range is in the 51-52
range, but that he decided to try and play the field position game. The Bills gained 23 yards on the Shawn Powell punt.
Gailey also grossly mishandled things later in the first half.
You can start with the Bills second red zone opportunity of the game. Stevie Johnson's 63 yard grab set the Bills up with 1st and 10 from the Indianapolis 17 with 3:15 to play. The Bills then went incomplete short pass right. Incomplete short pass left. Fitzpatrick scramble for 4 yards. 31 yard field goal. Not the way to capitalize on a career long reception by Johnson.
The next Bills drive was even more mind numbing. After the defense held, the offense got the ball back on the Buffalo 12 with :58 left to play in the half. The Bills went incomplete pass to Stevie Johnson. Incomplete pass to Stevie Johnson. Fred Jackson 4 yard draw. Punt.
The drive took all of :14 seconds, putting the ball back in the hands of the Colts offense with :32 left. Indianapolis drove 50 yards on 5 plays and
kicked a 50 yard field goal as time expired. Bills trailed 13-6 at the half.
The Bills had their chances in the second half. The defense couldn't get off the field on third down. Fitzpatrick's interception halted a drive that had the Bills at the Indianapolis 36 with a chance to tie the game.
Good teams make plays. Good teams find a way to win on the road. Good teams don't have to play out the final five games knowing that the playoffs are an unlikely destination for a 13th straight year.
I don't believe that blowing things up every three years gets you anywhere. I like Chan Gailey as a person. Gailey however will be the first to tell you that football is a production based business. When you are 4-7 in a year that was supposed to include a "big step forward", it's hard to call that production. We will see if he can keep his team motivated over
the final five weeks.
The one guy that did have it for the offense didn't touch the ball nearly enough. C.J. Spiller averaged 7.6 yards a carry against the Colts, but finished with only 14 carries for 107 yards. His lack of opportunities against a defense that had struggled against the run
was just one of the mind numbing problems coming out of the loss.
The Colts defense entered the day without the teams top cornerback available in Vontae Davis, but the Bills couldn't take advantage on a consistent basis. Ryan Fitzpatrick finished 17-for-33 for 180 yards a touchdown and an interception. He hit Stevie Johnson for a 63-yard strike, but missed on open opportunities down the field to Spiller and Donald Jones. His interception in the fourth quarter should have all but done the Bills in until Johnson forced the fumble. The Bills went three and out with a chance to tie the game at 20 after getting the ball back with under four minutes to play.
Add the Bills lack of production inside the red zone to the list of problems. Once again the Bills struggled inside the 20. The 1-3 performance on Sunday dropped the Bills 1-7 in their last two games in the red zone. You can put a lot of that on play calling. You can put a lot of that on Chan Gailey.
Gailey had a very tough day on several fronts against the Colts. He chose not to kick what would have amounted to a 52 yard FG
indoors and rather elected to punt the ball from the Indianapolis 34. Gailey said after the game that Rian Lindells range is in the 51-52
range, but that he decided to try and play the field position game. The Bills gained 23 yards on the Shawn Powell punt.
Gailey also grossly mishandled things later in the first half.
You can start with the Bills second red zone opportunity of the game. Stevie Johnson's 63 yard grab set the Bills up with 1st and 10 from the Indianapolis 17 with 3:15 to play. The Bills then went incomplete short pass right. Incomplete short pass left. Fitzpatrick scramble for 4 yards. 31 yard field goal. Not the way to capitalize on a career long reception by Johnson.
The next Bills drive was even more mind numbing. After the defense held, the offense got the ball back on the Buffalo 12 with :58 left to play in the half. The Bills went incomplete pass to Stevie Johnson. Incomplete pass to Stevie Johnson. Fred Jackson 4 yard draw. Punt.
The drive took all of :14 seconds, putting the ball back in the hands of the Colts offense with :32 left. Indianapolis drove 50 yards on 5 plays and
kicked a 50 yard field goal as time expired. Bills trailed 13-6 at the half.
The Bills had their chances in the second half. The defense couldn't get off the field on third down. Fitzpatrick's interception halted a drive that had the Bills at the Indianapolis 36 with a chance to tie the game.
Good teams make plays. Good teams find a way to win on the road. Good teams don't have to play out the final five games knowing that the playoffs are an unlikely destination for a 13th straight year.
I don't believe that blowing things up every three years gets you anywhere. I like Chan Gailey as a person. Gailey however will be the first to tell you that football is a production based business. When you are 4-7 in a year that was supposed to include a "big step forward", it's hard to call that production. We will see if he can keep his team motivated over
the final five weeks.
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