Parrish, at Last, The Slot Guy

Thank You Chan Gailey, Thank You.

Last Year, wideout/punt return specialist Roscoe Parrish became alternate bench warmer, and many Bills fans and myself never knew why. Speculation was Parrish and the old coaching regime, namely Jauron, didn't see eye-to-eye.

And of course the arrival of Owens pushed him down the depth chart. My biggest complaint was the coaching staff playing veteran Josh Reed instead.

Mistake.

Parrish is the perfect slot receiver, granted his size doesn't measure to most NFL scout's standards.

But a football player is a football player. And it seems this coaching staff gets it.

First, the man can move, and we all know it. His blazing speed in the open field separates him from would-be tacklers. But it's his elusiveness and quickness in tight spots that make Parrish unique and a perfect candidate to occupy the slot position.

Slot receivers are often found lined up from a nickel corner, safety or sometimes a linebacker if creative play callers can take advantage of match ups. Receivers in the slot, then, are typically running patterns short to intermediate ranges and asked to make their money with yards after the catch. (YAC) 

I see Parrish as a Wes Welker, but faster and more elusive. After Spiller, Parrish may be the second most electrifying talent on the Bills offense.

Parrish has a knack for creating separation no matter what coverage he faces. He can beat linebackers underneath who sit in zone. And he has enough quickness off the snap to beat bump and run.

Also a trait I like most is his ability to tight rope the sidelines.  

Many folks are excited to see No. 21 run rampant this season, but keep an eye on 11. He will bring people to their feet, too.

Finally.