Buffalo Bills 2000s All-Decade Team: Punt Returner
At the beginning of the decade, the Buffalo Bills had a different player return the majority of the team's punts in every season from 2000 to 2005. Needless to say, the cream shall rise on this particular vote. The closer vote might be which one of these guys was the worst.
Chris Watson
After a successful rookie season in Denver following his selection in the third round, Watson was traded to Buffalo when he was no longer needed in Denver's CB rotation prior to the 2000 season. In 2000, he returned 33 punts for 163 yards, an average of 4.9 yards per return, and had a long of 20 yards playing the role of "punt catcher" on Wade Phillips' special teams unit.
Peerless Price
Also a member of our nominee list for wide receiver of the decade, Price was Buffalo's primary punt returner in 2001. In total, he returned 25 punts for 153 yards at an average of 6.1 yards per return during his time in Buffalo. His longest return was for 24 yards.
Charlie Rogers
Rogers continued the one and done rule that applied to Buffalo's punt returners in the beginning of the decade when he was the Bills' primary punt returner in 2002. In his lone year in Buffalo, he returned 26 punts for 137 yards, an average of 5.3 yards per return.
Antonio Brown
Brown was undrafted from the University of West Virginia, but was the Bills' primary punt returner in the 2004 season. He had 25 returns for 111 yards and a 4.4 yard per return average. His longest return was 18 yards.
Nate Clements
Clements took the majority of punt returns in 2005. He earned a Pro Bowl berth that year after bringing back 35 punts for 325 yards and a touchdown. In total, Clements returned 65 punts for the Bills for 617 yards at an average of 9.5 yards per return, with two touchdowns. His long return of 86 yards is the longest punt return of the decade and second-longest in team history.
Roscoe Parrish
Since joining the Bills as their first selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, Parrish quickly established himself as a long-term answer at this position. Parrish is Buffalo's career leader in punt returns (118), punt return yards (1,445), punt return touchdowns (three - tied with Keith Moody), and yards per return (12.2 with a minimum of 20 returns). In the decade, he has more than fifty punt returns more than any other player, and averaged more than 2.5 yards per return more than any player on this list of nominees. He is the NFL's active leader in yards per punt return, and in 2007 and 2008 led the league in that statistic.
Leave your voting rationale in the comments section. The kick returner will be the last spot on the team before we move on to select the coach, team, and player of the decade.
Previous Installments: QB, RB 1, RB 2, WR 1, WR 2, TE, OT 1, OT 2, OG 1, OG 2, OC, P/K, DT 1, DT 2, DE 1, DE 2, OLB 1, OLB 2, MLB, CB 1, CB 2, SS, FS
61 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Not even close!!
It speaks volumes to have a talent like this and not let him on the field. Thanks DJ we the fans appreciate the use of talent.
by Kelly to Reed Touchdown!! on Jun 2, 2010 8:25 AM EDT reply actions
In fairness to Jauron, Roscoe’s production in 2009 dropped to 5.5 yards per return. Removing Parrish from punt return duties was not necessarily a bad decision.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Jun 2, 2010 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Wondering
How many attempts did he have to get to that average? I know his attitude had a lot to do with him not being out there, but even so doesn’t Parish on the feild always give you the home run potential?
by Kelly to Reed Touchdown!! on Jun 2, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
He had 24 punt returns in 2009 averaging 5.5 YPR. In 2008 he had 21 returns for an average of 15.3 YPR.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Jun 2, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
And that doesn’t even mention that he had five fumbles in 2009 though he recovered 3 of them himself.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Jun 2, 2010 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I have a feeling Mr. Parrish might have had a bit of quit in him for ole Mr. Jauron.
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Tool - Right in Two
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 2, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
i hope so
otherwise he just sucked. itd be nice to have his production back there again
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
by silverstreak3k on Jun 2, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I forgot to say great interviews lately!! I really enjoyed the one with JR.
by Kelly to Reed Touchdown!! on Jun 2, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Jun 2, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
i think roscoe was discouraged bout not being a receiver and tried too hard on punt returns
he was going into the season as the 4 receiver and ended up being only a punt returner
i thought what he did in the preseason especially the titans hof game where he was making people miss left and right was good enough for the slot
official sponsor of the CAPTAIN CHECK DOWN FAN CLUB
LOL I love how Roscoe stinking it up is Jauron’s fault. Did you forget that Roscoe’s best years were under Jauron? What is more likely, Jauron just somehow forgets how great Roscoe is or Roscoe regresses with age?
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
It is possible that Roscoe fell under the spell of Club Jauron and started slacking off.......I hope that is the case but wouldn't count on it
Show me the baby CHIX, and it better not look like the pool boy from our vacation at Club Jauron!!!!!
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
I agree Joe P.
Tell me who outside of Ferd Jackson and Byrd Played hard for Coach Jauron. I am not sure if 28 years old = a decline in production? 28 is not that old even by NFL standards.
by Kelly to Reed Touchdown!! on Jun 2, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
No 28 doesn’t = decline, Roscoe’s numbers = decline. 2007 was Roscoe’s best year guess who his coach was…that’s right Dick Jauron. Do we think that Jauron just forgot what a great player Roscoe is? Jauron has spent a long time coaching football, he is an Ivy League graduate. He isn’t stupid.
And if Roscoe wasn’t up for every game and didn’t give it his all every time he touched the football that is as much if not more Roscoe’s fault then Jauron’s.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
While I agree that maybe Roscoe might have fallen off the wagon a bit in production and/or motivation, wouldn’t you be upset and it would start affecting your game readiness. When your a WR and all your used as is a punt returner. NO ONE is drafted as a punt returner only. The man wants to play, and something more then 4 years of special teams. Have you noticed his renewed work ethic in other posts about the OTAs?
so it is the coaches fault Roscoe can’t beat out the likes of Josh Reed and Steve Johnson? Nothing should be handed to him or any other player. If Roscoe can’t beat out the other guys, again that is his fault. And if Roscoe can’t beat out the other WRs then pouts and lets it affect his punt return abilities again that is all Roscoe’s fault and not Jauron’s.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
I’m not saying it is DJ’s fault, it definitely is Roscoe’s, but I was kinda throwing out as to maybe why we seen his production slip. I advocate by no means to give a position to anyone without earning it. Just an observation is all. Also I don’t think he was given many chances, it did seem when he did catch a pass he tried to wiggle his ass off for extra YAC.
I suppose he could have been pouting and that let his punt production slip, but like I said and you echoed that is on his head and nobody else’s.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
That pushes it a bit too far
that is on his head and nobody else’s.
If Roscoe was the only one on the team under performing, then maybe I could agree with you, but under performing seemed to be a systemic issue under Jauron.
Show me the baby CHIX, and it better not look like the pool boy from our vacation at Club Jauron!!!!!
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
what about over achievers like Lynch and Byrd? Somehow those guys were able to rise above the life draining abilities of Count Jaunula. Cut me a break Joe. These guys are pros and if Roscoe’s is pouting in the corner because he can’t win a full time spot on offense and he lets that affect his punt returns that is most definitely his fault.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
Did you actually just call Lynch an over achiever?????
Look, I am not saying Parrish doesn’t deserve a big helping of the blame, but I can also see how some players might not respond well to the joke that was the Jauron tenure. Don’t act like Parrish is the first player in the history of the NFL to get into a funk and/or their coach’s dog house, and then perform better under a different coach or on a different team.
Show me the baby CHIX, and it better not look like the pool boy from our vacation at Club Jauron!!!!!
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
I'm thinking he meant to say Freddy......
of course it being hump day, you never can tell 8-)
I'll stop whining, when I stop caring!
I beg to differ...
I think after his hugely productive years and then in one year nonproductive doesn’t mean he just suddenly lost it. He displayed his talents numerous times and JAURON couldn’t figure out how to use him, thus the frustration and decline in production.
, Jauron just somehow forgets how great Roscoe
He forgot about how great Evans was also who’s productivity went down under Jauron. Come on, everybody should know by now that Jauron was no offensive genius. I know there are those who disagree but I STILL believe this team has talent but not wasn’t used properly.
Seriously?
Jauron just somehow forgets how great Roscoe
So the fact that Fred Jackson was getting the job done on punts on Roscoe wasn’t is Jauron’s fault because he forgot how great Roscoe is? Fred Jackson stepped right into the same spot as Roscoe, same unit, same coaches, same system, and got the job done where Roscoe couldn’t. That isn’t Jauron, that is Roscoe.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
Yes seriously
It’s what happens when members of a team lose their belief in their coaches or the coaches belief in a player. The difference with Jackson was he was given the opportunity (forced to actually because of Lynch). It’s the coaches assessment as to who starts and who doesn’t. Jackson didn’t suddenly become a great player, he thrived because he was finally given an opportunity to start which meant many touches of the ball to demonstrate his skills. Also, many coaches try to fit players into their schemes which might not fully tap into that players strengths and not being flexible and designing plays to their strengths. Now, if this coach gives him a decent opportunity and he continues to fail then I will concede my defeat of this debate.
Now, if this coach gives him a decent opportunity and he continues to fail then I will concede my defeat of this debate.
You realize that Parrish HAD THE STARTING JOB, played poorly and and lost his job due to poor performance right? If that is being given a fair opportunity and continuing to fail I don’t know what is.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
I am talking about the fact that he started to play poorly on punt returns. I don’t buy the argument that his lack of opportunity to play WR affected his punt return skills. Because to me if it did that is him pouting and not doing the best job that he can. And as this whole thing started, if Roscoe can’t beat out the the other WRs this team has employed over the years and that has lead him to stink on punt returns that is his fault not Dick Jauron’s.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
I understand what your saying. All I’m saying is Roscoe was upset about not getting playing time on the offense, therefore the frustration. The coaches determine who plays and in their opinion he wasn’t worthy. I question the coaches opinion.
Do you really think that Dick Jauron and his coaches watched Roscoe play in practice and thought to themselves, “Gee Roscoe is tearing it up, that kid can play! Lets keep him on the bench for no apparent reason just to make this team lose!” ? I mean come on man, the coaches were going to play the guys who the y thought gave them the best shot at winning, not the other way around. If Roscoe was so good what possible reason could Jauron have had for keeping Rosoce on the bench if he is as good and deserving of a shot as you say, and please don’t say because DJ is dumb.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
I will not argue that he is a good coach, but the man has an ivy league degree. he isn’t dumb. and Roscoe isn’t a good WR and that isn’t Jauron’s fault.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
Wade Phillips, maybe?
" A wise man once told me, never argue with a fool, becuase from a far, you can't tell who is who" - Jay-Z
by SouthBuffaloNDgrad on Jun 2, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Your sig
I guess you could say the wise man was Mark Twain. I doubt Twain ever spoke to Jay -Z (or would want to). The actual quote is:
“Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
Sorry I have an issue, but, connecting Mark Twain to Jay-Z on any level, is just wrong. :-)
The future ain't what it used to be - Yogi Berra
Ha. Due to Mark Twain being from Buffalo, this is a losing battle,
but anyway, I had known of the quote by Twain when I was 16-17ish and was listenining to a cetain Jay-Z song, I heard his version of the saying, and liked how he put it. I’m changing my sig and avatar after my 1,000th comment on this sight, I got about 60 to go. Obviously, it’s a play on words from Jay-Z, and I never tried to equate them together, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. I’m a big fan of Jay-Z, which is why I chose to use it. I kept getting into stupid arguments with other people over the ability of Jimmy Clausen, so I put that sig up, not meaning anything more then what it says. I think you’re the third person to call me out, I have no problem with it, because I’m not trying to connect them together, just using Hova’s version of the saying. I’ve seen Jay-Z in concert in Chicago, but I’m going in September to NYC to see him and Eminem in both NYC & Detroit ( last concerts for both in their home towns). I can’t wait to see them both, in both locations. Anyway, I never wanted to offend anyone, or connect Twain & Jay-Z together, just put a quote from a song that I like of his, nothing more, nothing less. As to Twain speaking to Jay-Z, I don’t see why he wouldn’t. Jay-Z is a part owner of the NJ Nets, owns multiple companies and has a net worth of over 500 million, he just had a nice dinner with the new Russian owner & David Stern, not bad company, IMO, the man is a legend & a different kind of one than Twain.
" A wise man once told me, never argue with a fool, becuase from a far, you can't tell who is who" - Jay-Z
by SouthBuffaloNDgrad on Jun 2, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I honestly think Mark Twain wouldn’t have cared less about what worth Jay-Z claims to have, at least as a catalyst for them to have spoken.
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Tool - Right in Two
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 2, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
“A wise man told me, dont argue with fools, cause people from a distance cant tell who is who”
^^correct Jay – Z lyric from Takeover FYI
MAYBE this will break the mold , we need to come to play sunday and this year we will not SURRENDER TO KNOW ONE THIS IS BUFFALOOO Godzilla nation
-abayarde
by uPitt_BillsFan on Jun 2, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the help. Making sure my sig on Buffalo Rumblings has perfect spelling.
Also, uPitt_Billsfan, I see you’re at least a fan of Jay-Z also, and thanks, your version is the correct version, I’ll change it soon. No hurry.
" A wise man once told me, never argue with a fool, becuase from a far, you can't tell who is who" - Jay-Z
by SouthBuffaloNDgrad on Jun 3, 2010 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
A fan of punt catchers
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
How about Fred Jackson
I think he was better than any of the guys on there, even though he only returned 13 punts. Parrish was great, but he was afraid to FC balls and had 3 crucial fumbles that cost games. Clements was good.
Jackson – 13 – 185 – 14.2 – 0 TD
Parrish – 118 – 1445 – 12.2 – 3 TD
Price – 25 – 153 – 6.1 – 0 TD
Rogers – 26 – 137 – 5.3 – 0 TD
Brown – 25 -111 – 4.4 – 0 TD
Clements – 65 – 617 – 9.5 – 2 TD
Watson – 33 – 163 – 4.9 – 0TD
The reason he’s not on here is because of the low number of returns as you said. His lack of homerun ability really takes him out of the conversation as far as I’m concerned.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Jun 2, 2010 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Clements didn't go to the Pro Bowl as a punt returner
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Seriously?
Antonio Brown? Who’s the joker here?
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Tool - Right in Two
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 2, 2010 10:00 AM EDT reply actions
Roscoe....
It is hard to fathom that he went from an elite PR to being benched last year. He has the ability to go all the way every-time he touches the ball. With the new coaching staff now his time to put up or shut up to be taken seriously as a wide receiver. With Spiller on the roster his time as a PR will be over.
"My relationship with death remains the same as ever. I'm strongly against it."
-- Woody Allen, 2010
Last season saw some significant overturn in punt return personnel.
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Tool - Right in Two
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 2, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Chris Watson....
is possibly my least favorite Bill. ever. I was young when he was on the team but all i remember is just hating him. just intense hatred.
by Xavier W on Jun 2, 2010 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Had to go with Roscoe
He might be useless in everything else, but that guy know how to return punts!
Washington? Check. Pittsburg? Check. Philly? Wont be a pro... errr.... GO BLACKHAWKS!!!
by CanadianBillsFan on Jun 2, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
Scoe
Got a little nervous that people would remember his abysmal 2009 and decide that he wasn’t that great when in fact he is one of the best punt returners in NFL history
It’s beyond me that eight people voted for Chris Watson!!! :0 :0
The guy was just awful
"The one commonality in both places (Oakland and Buffalo) is an aging owner who keeps interfering too much. Ralph Wilson continually butts his nose in the football operation and tells the team who to draft"
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Jun 2, 2010 6:56 PM EDT reply actions

by 





























