Parrish says confidence isn’t lacking

ORCHARD PARK — Roscoe Parrish was the league’s most dynamic punt returner in 2007 and 2008, but thus far in 2009 all he’s been is a dud.

After leading the NFL in each of the previous two seasons with averages of 16.3 and 15.3, respectively, Parrish has dipped all the way to 5.3 yards per return this year, 24th in the league.

Parrish fell out of favor with former coach Dick Jauron after a terrible decision that resulted in a late-game fumble that enabled woeful Cleveland to beat the Bills in October.

Since Jauron’s firing, Parrish is back deep on punts, but he hasn’t made an impact and it appears he is suffering from a crisis in confidence.

However, special teams coach Bobby April argues that Parrish’s main problem has been the opposing team’s punters are neutralizing him.

“The one thing that you have the least control over in terms of getting good results is the punt return,” said April. “Since he’s been back we’ve faced some guys who have really hung the ball up and kicked it shorter.

“Whenever there’s space those guys can get creative, but when he doesn’t have space, it’s hard to be creative.”
Parrish agreed with his coach, and said that he’s not suffering from a slump or a lack of confidence.

“I’ve been catching the ball and guys have been right there, so I have to make smart decisions and fair catch and try to put the offense in a good position,” he said. “Hopefully, that big one is coming.”

Since he turned pro in 2004 Parrish has 26 punt returns of at least 20 yards, tied with Chicago’s Devin Hester for the most in the league.

His 12.56 career average ranks third in NFL history, and he is the Bills’ all-time leader in yards, yet Jauron felt it prudent to bench him after the mistake against Cleveland.

“It was very tough, but I looked past that and tried to get into the game mentally,” Parrish said. “I … didn’t let it take advantage of me.

“I just did what I needed to do to be ready. You can’t mope around because your opportunity might come back again and you won’t be able to seize that moment.”

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(rocnow.com)