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Preston Parker's fumbles spark Jags

 
Published Dec. 11, 2011|Updated Dec. 12, 2011

JACKSONVILLE -- The Bucs have been largely pleased with the performance of WR Preston Parker both as a kick and punt returner and slot receiver.

But if there's been on nitpick about his play, it would be his apparent tendency to cough up the football.

Parker entered Sunday's game with six fumbles in 2011, getting many fortuitous bounces to ensure that the Bucs lost possession on just one of them. But his lucky streak ended in Jacksonville, when he committed two costly fumbles.

Parker, who declined interview requests after the game, first fumbled in the first quarter while fielding a punt after absorbing a hit from Jacksonville's Montell Owens. CB Morgan Trent recovered for the Jags.

The good news? The Bucs defense held, forcing another punt after a 3-and-out.

Parker was not as fortunate the second time around. As he lined up in the second quarter to field a punt at the Tampa Bay 20-yard line, he again took a shot from Owens. The ball was jarred loose, bouncing niftily into the hands of TE Colin Coherty, who scored from 8 yards out.

That prompted Tampa Bay coaches to pull Parker. He was replaced on punt and kick returns by veteran Micheal Spurlock.

Posted by Stephen Holder at 8:03:07 pm on December 11, 2011