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.
While the Sabres battle the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night, Hockey fans can do their part in the fight against cancer.
Thursday's game against Columbus at the First Niagara Center is "Hockey Fights Cancer night in Buffalo". It's a part of the NHL's national initiative and will raise money for cancer research right here in Buffalo at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
The Sabres will be selling special autographed hats donated by New Era at the First Niagara Center with proceeds going to the program. Fans can also text CURE to 501501 to make a $5 text donation before during and after the game.
It's a great program for a great cause. If you get a chance either at the game, or watching the game at home.. donate.
Thursday's game against Columbus at the First Niagara Center is "Hockey Fights Cancer night in Buffalo". It's a part of the NHL's national initiative and will raise money for cancer research right here in Buffalo at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
The Sabres will be selling special autographed hats donated by New Era at the First Niagara Center with proceeds going to the program. Fans can also text CURE to 501501 to make a $5 text donation before during and after the game.
It's a great program for a great cause. If you get a chance either at the game, or watching the game at home.. donate.
NFL Commissioner addressed a select group of Bills fans Sunday.
Orchard Park (WKBW.com) NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed a select group of Bills fans on Sunday morning prior to Sunday's game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.Goodell touched on a variety of topics during his conversation with fans and was questioned several times about the future of the franchise in Western New York.
Goodell said that he spoke with Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr on Friday. When asked by a fan about the eventual transfer of ownership Goodell said "I hope Mr. Wilson can be around as owner for a long time"."He has what he thinks are the right steps for the team. We will obviously work with him and the team to fulfill his wishes. I know he will do, and we are confident we will do, what is in the best interest of this community and the NFL.". "I think that's being taken care of".
Sunday marked Goodell's first visit to Ralph Wilson Stadium since 2007. He plans to sit in the stands to see the game "as a fan" with family here in Orchard Park.
Goodell met with reporters following his "Fan Forum". Below is the transcript from his interview.
NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL, Press Conference October 9, 2011
On what the collective bargaining agreement means to the Buffalo market:
What it means most to fans is competitive balance. That we’ll continue to have the competitive balance that has made the league so successful and so popular with fans. Teams like Buffalo will have the same ability to be competitive as they are in New York, Chicago or San Francisco. Part of that is that we now have a 10-year agreement. Second, is that we have a sharing of our revenue that has been expanded from where it was prior to the CBA. Third, is that we’ve been able to address a number of things in the CBA that I think are going to make the game better and allow us to continue to grow.
On if small market teams can generate enough revenue to meet that floor:
Yes, no question. I have every bit of confidence that small market teams are going to continue to be successful. As long as we continue to have the proper stadiums and proper fan support, and that’s what we have to do. We’ve got the structure in place now; we’ve got to continue to create the excitement and passion in the communities. Clearly, here in Buffalo I know that first hand, they have that here.
On what steps will be taken should the Bills ownership become vacated:
No, I think the point of the question from fans is will we have a process and ability to keep the Bills here and be successful. I think that’s the hope of Mr. Wilson and that the team will continue to be successful here in Western New York.
On what assurances he can provide other than confidence:
I don’t think there are assurances in anything other than if we continue to do our part, meaning we - this community. If we continue to keep this facility competitive with others and we continue to support the team, I’m confident that we’re going to continue to be successful here in Western New York. I know the team is already beginning negotiations on a longer-term lease, which is something we need to get done.
On where the NFL stands on the HGH issue:
You’ll have to talk to the NFLPA. I know where we are, which is we want to implement it as soon as possible and get it in place. We’re disappointed that we don’t have it with the start of the regular season. We still want to get it done.
On the Toronto series: I think we can do it better, and so do the Bills and so do the Rogers people. We want to try and improve the experience that we’re providing up in Toronto and we’re working and focused on trying to do that. We want to try and make that better for the fans that go from Buffalo up to the series, and also for the fans there in Toronto.
On Ralph Wilson Stadium: First off, it’s a great stadium to watch a game. One of the reasons I picked this game to sit out in the stands is because I think it’s a great experience to be here with the Bills fans and the sidelines are great. Second, I think the Bills owner, the state, and the county has done a great job of continuing to make improvements to the stadium to keep it competitive, but you have to continue to do that. We’ve had success with old stadiums, Lambeau Field is an old stadium, Chicago’s an old stadium, had a significant renovation going back so you have to continually improve facilities to keep them competitive with what’s going on in other markets. But again, it has to be done with an eye towards that market. There are certain things that may not be necessary or desired by the fans here in Western New York that are very popular in other markets. The stadium has to fit the community and the community has to have input in that, which they have.
On the Bills being “Canada’s Team”: What I think it does, is it regionalizes the team. We had an effort to do that in the 90’s as you know, which I was involved with prior to becoming commissioner which is to reach out to the whole Western New York region, and encourage people to come to the stadium and support the Bills, both from a fan standpoint and a business standpoint and that was very successful. I see the Toronto series as expanding now into southern Ontario where I think the Bills are selling 15 percent of their tickets into southern Ontario, again that’s helping make the team here be more successful and more stable here in Western New York.
On the future of the NFL in Europe: Well, we’re playing in London a week from Sunday we’ll be over there and it’s been tremendously successful. We have sold that game out in the matter of hours. This year, because of the lockout, we didn’t start selling tickets until mid-August so we still have some tickets but fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and we want to build on that and we’re going to talk about it at our league meeting on Tuesday with maybe the potential of expanding it to two games in London.
On any lingering effects from the lockout: Not at all, matter of fact the fans have come back in record numbers. Businesses have come back in record numbers as indicated by some of our business arrangements. The excitement is there, the game is terrific and you’re seeing it by the quality of play on the field and by the unpredictable nature of our season. It’s already been a great season and we’re four weeks into it.
On the NFL’s future plans for international play: Mexico is clearly something that we’ve been focused on. We actually had our first regular season international game in Mexico several years ago, with the Cardinals and the 49ers. So we will continue to focus on that, but the expansion of the regular season series is focused on the UK.
It's still early, and Bills fans have learned over the years to restrain their enthusiasm.. but enjoy this one.
For a third straight Monday Bills fans are smiling.. and there is plenty to like. At 3-and-0 the Bills are the last remaining undefeated team in the AFC and in sole possession of the division lead. Oh... and they also just beat the New England Patriots in comeback fashion.
I was right there with you Bills fans. Down 21-0 saying "here we go again"...but this is a different team under Chan Gailey. The head coach has his players believing in each other, believing in the process.. and winning. This is a hard working team. A resilient team. A relevant team.
Hey.. If you are going to snap a 15 game losing streak, you might as well do it in style right?. Might as well intercept Tom Brady four times to fight back from a three touchdown deficit. Might as well get Bill Belichick all fired up at the end only to watch the Bills run the clock down and then kick the game winning field goal.
Those in attendance on Sunday know that after wards it was a wild, memorable scene at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Thousands of fans stuck around following Rian Lindells game winning kick, and players soaked it up. Down in the tunnel players took the time to acknowledge the fans and embrace the victory. It had been a long time coming for guys like Chris Kelsay, one of only four Bills players that were with the team the last time they beat the Patriots in 2003. And what a moment for Fred Jackson who walked up the tunnel with his son to the chants of "Freddy, Freddy, Freddy".
Are the Bills for real?? They took another huge step Sunday in proving that they are, but players were quick to say this team has a long way to go. Still the numbers have been amazing. The Bills offense continues to be the highest scoring group in the NFL. In fact, with 34 points against the Patriots on Sunday the Bills have now scored 113 through the first three weeks. That is a new team record.
Other numbers.. The Bills offensive line has surrendered only two sacks through the first two weeks. WHAT?? Oh.. and with 4 interceptions the Bills turnover ratio moved to +5 on the season.
What's it all mean? Time will tell.. but for now.. enjoy it Bills fans.
For a third straight Monday Bills fans are smiling.. and there is plenty to like. At 3-and-0 the Bills are the last remaining undefeated team in the AFC and in sole possession of the division lead. Oh... and they also just beat the New England Patriots in comeback fashion.
I was right there with you Bills fans. Down 21-0 saying "here we go again"...but this is a different team under Chan Gailey. The head coach has his players believing in each other, believing in the process.. and winning. This is a hard working team. A resilient team. A relevant team.
Hey.. If you are going to snap a 15 game losing streak, you might as well do it in style right?. Might as well intercept Tom Brady four times to fight back from a three touchdown deficit. Might as well get Bill Belichick all fired up at the end only to watch the Bills run the clock down and then kick the game winning field goal.
Those in attendance on Sunday know that after wards it was a wild, memorable scene at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Thousands of fans stuck around following Rian Lindells game winning kick, and players soaked it up. Down in the tunnel players took the time to acknowledge the fans and embrace the victory. It had been a long time coming for guys like Chris Kelsay, one of only four Bills players that were with the team the last time they beat the Patriots in 2003. And what a moment for Fred Jackson who walked up the tunnel with his son to the chants of "Freddy, Freddy, Freddy".
Are the Bills for real?? They took another huge step Sunday in proving that they are, but players were quick to say this team has a long way to go. Still the numbers have been amazing. The Bills offense continues to be the highest scoring group in the NFL. In fact, with 34 points against the Patriots on Sunday the Bills have now scored 113 through the first three weeks. That is a new team record.
Other numbers.. The Bills offensive line has surrendered only two sacks through the first two weeks. WHAT?? Oh.. and with 4 interceptions the Bills turnover ratio moved to +5 on the season.
What's it all mean? Time will tell.. but for now.. enjoy it Bills fans.
Bills 2-0. Now what??
You hear it from players every week. "We are focused on one game" or "The next game is the biggest."
This week the Bills would be right. Let the hype machine begin, and let it begin right here. Get ready for Sunday.. It's the 2-and-0 Bills hosting the 2-and-0 Patriots for the early season lead in the AFC East. WOW. But before we look ahead, let's catch up from Sunday.
I took a day to try and digest the Bills 38-35 win over the Raiders.. but I'm still shaking my head.
What a victory. What an effort by a scrappy bunch that won't go away. I made my way down from the press box to the tunnel for the final several minutes of the fourth quarter.. and when David Nelson hauled in the final touchdown.. Ralph Wilson Stadium was simply electric. Fans were soaking it up, and rightfully so.
There were so many big plays, so many great efforts in the victory.. but I have to start again with Ryan Fitzpatrick. This guy gives you a chance. Fitzpatrick helped the offense shake off a forgettable first half, before leading one of the most memorable comebacks in franchise history. 5 possessions in the second half, 5 touchdowns. 481 total yards of offense. A team record 34 first downs, and 1 fantastic win.
Fitzpatrick threw three touchdown passes in the victory. That's seven on the season, with only one interception. Jim Kelly is the only other quarterback in Bills history to have seven or more touchdowns in the first two games. Kelly had 8 in 1991.
What's impressed me most so far is the leadership that Fitzpatrick has shown. He has this team, this offense, and a young group of receivers, brimming with confidence. Believing that no hole is too big, and that every game is winnable. Fitzpatrick has been waiting for this opportunity his entire career. He couldn't wait to start the season as the "go to guy" for the first time. So far, so good.
The Bills offense has produced close to 40 points a game through the first two weeks. Fitzpatrick is smart enough to know that scoring at that pace will be tough to continue but who knows under Chan Gailey. The head coach and quarterback continue to grow in their relationship, continue to grow in the second year of this offense.
Fitzpatrick is leading the way, but everyone seems to be doing their part for the offense. Fred Jackson has been outstanding, he entered Monday as the NFL's leading rusher. The offensive line continues to deserve all the credit in the world. Holding the Raiders to no sacks was impressive.
The defense had a tough day against Oakland. Too many big plays against the secondary. Especially with the Raiders missing three of their top wide receivers. Gailey said on Monday that players were in the position to make plays, they just didn't. That won't work against the Patriots.
That's whats next. The Patriots. A team that the Bills haven't beaten since the home opener in 2003. 2-0 has caught peoples attention. Beating New England changes the conversation.
You hear it from players every week. "We are focused on one game" or "The next game is the biggest."
This week the Bills would be right. Let the hype machine begin, and let it begin right here. Get ready for Sunday.. It's the 2-and-0 Bills hosting the 2-and-0 Patriots for the early season lead in the AFC East. WOW. But before we look ahead, let's catch up from Sunday.
I took a day to try and digest the Bills 38-35 win over the Raiders.. but I'm still shaking my head.
What a victory. What an effort by a scrappy bunch that won't go away. I made my way down from the press box to the tunnel for the final several minutes of the fourth quarter.. and when David Nelson hauled in the final touchdown.. Ralph Wilson Stadium was simply electric. Fans were soaking it up, and rightfully so.
There were so many big plays, so many great efforts in the victory.. but I have to start again with Ryan Fitzpatrick. This guy gives you a chance. Fitzpatrick helped the offense shake off a forgettable first half, before leading one of the most memorable comebacks in franchise history. 5 possessions in the second half, 5 touchdowns. 481 total yards of offense. A team record 34 first downs, and 1 fantastic win.
Fitzpatrick threw three touchdown passes in the victory. That's seven on the season, with only one interception. Jim Kelly is the only other quarterback in Bills history to have seven or more touchdowns in the first two games. Kelly had 8 in 1991.
What's impressed me most so far is the leadership that Fitzpatrick has shown. He has this team, this offense, and a young group of receivers, brimming with confidence. Believing that no hole is too big, and that every game is winnable. Fitzpatrick has been waiting for this opportunity his entire career. He couldn't wait to start the season as the "go to guy" for the first time. So far, so good.
The Bills offense has produced close to 40 points a game through the first two weeks. Fitzpatrick is smart enough to know that scoring at that pace will be tough to continue but who knows under Chan Gailey. The head coach and quarterback continue to grow in their relationship, continue to grow in the second year of this offense.
Fitzpatrick is leading the way, but everyone seems to be doing their part for the offense. Fred Jackson has been outstanding, he entered Monday as the NFL's leading rusher. The offensive line continues to deserve all the credit in the world. Holding the Raiders to no sacks was impressive.
The defense had a tough day against Oakland. Too many big plays against the secondary. Especially with the Raiders missing three of their top wide receivers. Gailey said on Monday that players were in the position to make plays, they just didn't. That won't work against the Patriots.
That's whats next. The Patriots. A team that the Bills haven't beaten since the home opener in 2003. 2-0 has caught peoples attention. Beating New England changes the conversation.
Raise your hand if you saw that one coming??? Now I picked the Bills to win (see previous blog).. I thought they would be competitive.. but beating down Kansas City 41-7 on the road? Um.. no.
It's just one game, but what a statement to start things out. The Bills entered Sunday with a list of questions and I believe they made significant strides in answering several against the Chiefs.
Let's start by giving some credit to the Bills offensive line. The unit was considered a liability after an inconsistent preseason but did a nice job against the Chiefs. Ryan Fitzpatrick stayed clean for most of the game (1 sack) and benefited by having time to throw.
Fitzpatrick finished with a career high 133.0 passer rating. He completed 17-of-25 passes for 208 yards and he spread the ball around. 3 different players caught his 4 touchdown passes. Stevie Johnson had one. So did Donald Jones. And get this .. a tight end.. yes a tight end.. Scott Chandler pulled down a pair. WOW. The last time at tight end had a multi-td game on the road was 1992 when Pete Metzelaars hauled in two at San Francisco. Fitzpatrick said Sunday marked the first time he was pulled out of a game as a reward. Chan Gailey pulled Fitz out with about 9 minutes remaining in the game with the contest firmly in the bag.
Speaking of the offense I loved the way Fred Jackson ran the ball against the Chiefs. If there was any question who the starting running back should be I think Jackson made it clear he continues to be the go to guy. Jackson averaged 5.6 yards on 20 carries and finished with 112 yards. C.J. Spiller reached the end zone and finished with 16 yards on 5 carries.
The revamped Buffalo defense got off to a great start against the Chiefs. The Bills were embarrassed in KC last year to the tune of 276 yards rushing, this year things were different. New pieces Shawne Merriman, Marcel Dareus, and Nick Barnett helped the cause in holding the Chiefs to 108 yards rushing. Jamal Charles who killed the Bills in 2010 finished with 56 yards.
And finally what a win for Chan Gailey. The head coach said earlier in the week he expected to win every game this year (coach speak), but I'm sure he's happy with the first one. Gailey was fired as the Chiefs offensive coordinator two years ago, and got a little revenge on Sunday by handing Kansas City their worst loss at home in 35 years.
Next Up.. The Oakland Raiders in the home opener at a sold-out Ralph Wilson Stadium next Sunday.
It's just one game, but what a statement to start things out. The Bills entered Sunday with a list of questions and I believe they made significant strides in answering several against the Chiefs.
Let's start by giving some credit to the Bills offensive line. The unit was considered a liability after an inconsistent preseason but did a nice job against the Chiefs. Ryan Fitzpatrick stayed clean for most of the game (1 sack) and benefited by having time to throw.
Fitzpatrick finished with a career high 133.0 passer rating. He completed 17-of-25 passes for 208 yards and he spread the ball around. 3 different players caught his 4 touchdown passes. Stevie Johnson had one. So did Donald Jones. And get this .. a tight end.. yes a tight end.. Scott Chandler pulled down a pair. WOW. The last time at tight end had a multi-td game on the road was 1992 when Pete Metzelaars hauled in two at San Francisco. Fitzpatrick said Sunday marked the first time he was pulled out of a game as a reward. Chan Gailey pulled Fitz out with about 9 minutes remaining in the game with the contest firmly in the bag.
Speaking of the offense I loved the way Fred Jackson ran the ball against the Chiefs. If there was any question who the starting running back should be I think Jackson made it clear he continues to be the go to guy. Jackson averaged 5.6 yards on 20 carries and finished with 112 yards. C.J. Spiller reached the end zone and finished with 16 yards on 5 carries.
The revamped Buffalo defense got off to a great start against the Chiefs. The Bills were embarrassed in KC last year to the tune of 276 yards rushing, this year things were different. New pieces Shawne Merriman, Marcel Dareus, and Nick Barnett helped the cause in holding the Chiefs to 108 yards rushing. Jamal Charles who killed the Bills in 2010 finished with 56 yards.
And finally what a win for Chan Gailey. The head coach said earlier in the week he expected to win every game this year (coach speak), but I'm sure he's happy with the first one. Gailey was fired as the Chiefs offensive coordinator two years ago, and got a little revenge on Sunday by handing Kansas City their worst loss at home in 35 years.
Next Up.. The Oakland Raiders in the home opener at a sold-out Ralph Wilson Stadium next Sunday.
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