Chucky is in love with veteran quarterbacks yet avoids using seasoned punt and kick returners

Joe is stunned the Bucs pulled rookie Clifton Smith off the practice squad yesterday and thrust him into the game against Dallas as the No. 1 kick returner and punt returner.

Where was the logic there? Where was the sense of urgency for this critical conference game?

Obviously, benching rookie scaredy cat Dexter “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” Jackson, was a wise move. But throwing Smith into the top returner role was foolish.  And it cost the Bucs dearly.

Smith, 23, a free agent signing out of Fresno State, got off to a good start in the return game, but later fumbled for the Bucs first turnover. Dallas didn’t turn that into points. But Smith’s late-game screwup helped lose the game.

The Cowboys punted to Smith with four minutes remaning. He panicked and called for a fair catch and caught the punt on the Bucs 26 yard line with nobody within seven yards of him. NOBODY.

It was a classic rookie mistake by a rookie who didn’t belong in the game.

That play cost the Bucs at least 5 to 10 yards.  And likely precious time on the clock as they failed on the game-ending drive.

We’ve seen Michael Clayton return kicks, as well as Mr. Invisible, Michael Bennett. Remember him? Also, the Bucs had Ike Hilliard available and Joey Galloway. Hilliard had already lined up as a punt returner for the punt following Smith’s fumble.

Chucky is in love with veteran quarterbacks. It’s time for him to start dating seasoned returners.