From Bubble To Stud
September 18th, 2011
Before final cuts were made this preseason, many, including Joe, wondered about Preston Parker’s job security. He was a bubble guy and sudden fan favorite Ed Gant was breathing down his neck for a spot on the roster.
Not only did Parker make the team, one could argue the Bucs don’t win today’s game without him.
Parker was simply sensational. Catching long passes, catching short passes, catching passes in traffic near the goal line, catching clutch passes.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network after the game, Parker seemed to shrug his shoulders.
“When your number is called, you have to make plays, this is the NFL,” Parker said. Parker is seeing playing time because of Sammie Stroughter’s injury. Parker admitted Stroughter, a favorite in the Bucs locker room, was very much on his mind.
“We knew Sammie was down and he told us to play hard and that he loves us,” Parker said. “We all played hard for Sammy.”
Parker seemed defensive when he was being lavished with kudos for his play, instead, talking up his teammates. Parker said he knew the Bucs would win when a certain No. 27 was on the field in the final drive.
“When we got the ball in LeGagarrette’s hands, we knew it was victory,” Parker said. “He gives us hope. With LeGarrette, we know we can win. He brings us together more.”
But Parker’s sudden blowing up may have as much or more to do with Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman as anyone else.
“Preston has been huge for us,” Freeman said. “We’re [developing] more chemistry, I’m getting more confident going to him with the ball. On the 10-yard line, he made a great play going for it.”
Parker again tried to deflect praise.
“I have three words for Josh,” Parker said. “I love him. I love No. 5.”
September 18th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Sammie we still need you on this squad but parker has now become the slot receiver
September 18th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
I see that all the Noles Came to play today Parker Hayes and Watson
September 18th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
WOW! I didn’t see what the coaches liked about this kid, but damn he made me look like a fool today. I hope it continues……..you savvy?
September 18th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
And I started D Briscoe instead of Percy Harvin today in fantasy. Still got me 6 points. To be honest didnt see that comin from Preston… but i like it! Of course my buddy the Viking “fan” doesnt care that we won. That must suck. to EXPECT to lose every week. Go Buccs yo, Go Buccs, and Hawks. If yall didnt see that Iowa-Pitt game then u didnt know.. i almost had 2 heart attacks this weekend haha.
September 18th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I am an idiot. I made a post a while back saying Parker never impressed me and I would rather Gant be on the team. This is why I watch the games on TV and don’t work for an NFL team. So glad to be wrong.
September 19th, 2011 at 12:45 am
Parker was amazing glad hes on the team…
September 19th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Couldn’t be happier with the progress Parker has made. He seems to have matured (i hope im right) since his days @ FSU. Hopefully he continues to make a good name for himself both on and off the field.