Preston Parker Puts Himself On Bubble
August 24th, 2012
Look, Joe has nothing against Preston Parker. But after tonight’s performance by the former Florida State star, Bucs fans may very well have witnessed him fumble return his last punt and maybe play himself off the roster.
Against Miami to open the preseason, Parker fumbled a punt return and got flagged for a personal foul, cardinal sins in the New Schiano Order.
It didn’t get much better for Parker tonight. He again fumbled a punt return, and with the exception of one good catch, played sloppy.
With Michael Smith showing he can easily handle both kickoff and punt returns, barring injury, Joe would be surprised to see Parker waiting hovering under a punt come the regular season.
Provided he’s even in a Bucs uniform.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
I really really like this coaching staff. However, they are idiots if they even consider using Parker for punt returns. How many times does he have to fumble or have a return of 2 yards before they realize what we all can easily see. Put him in a position to succeed, which means nowhere near returning punts.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Cutting Parker would be a mistake. He was solid in key passing situations last year and is a good #3 option.
And I think Stroughter needs to be our primary return guy……pretty obvious since he’s proven himself there.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
I can’t believe we are still going over this. Parker has had practically every snap as the slot receiver with the first offense so far this preseason. No one else is even playing there. Schiano doesn’t do that if Parker is fighting with someone else over the position.
Now, they need to get him off of punts, but Parker was returning punts because Schiano wanted to make the decision on keeping Stroughter easy. Parker’s fumbles have made that harder, but make no mistake he is a lock for the final roster.
When you say Parker is not a Schiano guy, consider this. The team quit last year, just plain gave up. But Preston Parker didn’t give up, he fought all the way through week 17. I think that outweighs one silly penalty in Schiano’s mind.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Face it guys, Parker is gone. He was probably gone, even before tonight. We need some roster spots to sign some guards, and pick the best one due to Joseph’s injury.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Why would we want Parker returning punts for us? He fumbled two in preseason with limited returns. I will not be surprised if he gets cut. Now with Davin out for at least a little while, we need more help on O-line.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
Guys, losing Davin Joseph has zero effect on Preston Parker making the team. They keep a certain number at each position. Doubt Parker gets cut, but if he does, it has nothing to do with us having to get more guards. We lost a guard, we will pick up a guard. That’s a one for one swap. Don’t see your reasoning.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:15 am
Parker is good for slot and blocking only, he made a few plays tonight. But if Smith hasnt done enough yet to show he’s our return guy, then I dont know wth is going on. Madu had a few good runs too at RB. Im worried about Blount. I hope they keep him out next week, a re injury to that groin in a game that doeasnt matter would suck bad.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
I think Smith can do both, at least kickoff’s for sure. Parker also dropped a pass right in his hands from Freeman if I recall correctly. I’m not sure if they will outright cut him but he’s had a tough offseason for sure.