Page tries to improve his decison making Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer? ? Thursday, December 19, 2013 3:43pm 
Buccaneers rookie Eric Page has made some big plays as the Bucs primary returner, with his two punt returns of 40-yards or more just one shy of the club record (set by Jacquez Green in 1998).Page said the Bucs goal was to be top-10 return unit and they rank 10th in both kick return average (25.2) and punt return average (10.9).But Page, 22, has also made some questionable decisions in terms of fielding the ball in certain areas, and when to take it out of the end zone. He attributes those mistakes to either a lack of awareness of where he is on the field, or him just trying to make a play, but believes more experience will help him. “I feel the coaches put me back there because they trust you and trust your decision making,” Page said. “They put it on you and I think sometimes trying to make a play, you make some mistakes that way.”Coach Greg Schiano pointed out that Page, who left the University of Toledo after his junior season, didn’t play last year due to a knee injury and hasn’t had a ton of experience. “He’s done some really good things,” Schiano said. “He’s had some questionable decisions but rookies make questionable decisions because they haven’t been there before.”Page's most recent mistake came on Sunday against the 49ers, when he attempted a handoff on an reverse deep in the end zone to Russell Shepard, who fumbled it, leading to a San Francisco score. "Looking back, I should have kept it," Page said. "It was eight yards deep, and our rule is six yards. I was focused on the play, I wasn't aware where I was on the field."
Jacquez Green?!?!Sh!t just got real.
Nice to see we are still laying the fault of that play at Page's feet. Are we sure its not Bush's fault?
lol @ Jdouble.....Page is a really good punt returner when he holds onto the ball. He has really nice quickness and agility in small spaces. Sounds like an ideal slot receiver but he has been unable to crack into the lineup. If I remember correctly he was very effective as a WR at Toledo. Wonder what the deal is?
Every time I hear about a franchise record for special teams or offense...it just makes me sad.
Every time I hear about a franchise record for special teams or offense...it just makes me sad.
You're not kidding. I have a day-at-a-time Buccaneers calendar with various facts and trivia questions. They are all depressing. They seem to focus a lot on our historical punting prowess.
I don't think he will be doing returns next season, if Demps is back. So he better set those "records" while the going is good. Or maybe they have Demps return kickoffs and this guy return punts.
I think he sucks. I don't blame last week's idiocy on him. That was a dumb call and Sheppard fumbled a ball that was perfectly handed off by Page....but that kid is good for a bonehead play in just about every single game. I don't see the upside. Kinda reminds me of when everybody got all overly excited about Peanut. I hope we have a better option next year or it'll be three straight seasons with no answer at KR.
Demps will not play next year or if he does he will be out after a few games with a hamstring injury, fool's gold
I don't know a lot about track and I don't know if its common for players like Demps coming off a major groin injury to get back into track that easy. Maybe his chances now are in football, he will be ok, just needs to get back in real football shape. If he don't come back, then it would be cool if they could somehow get Dri Archer. Very interesting about Quez and Page though, would not have guessed that.
I don't know a lot about track and I don't know if its common for players like Demps coming off a major groin injury to get back into track that easy. Maybe his chances now are in football, he will be ok, just needs to get back in real football shape. If he don't come back, then it would be cool if they could somehow get Dri Archer. Very interesting about Quez and Page though, would not have guessed that.
Demps isn't cracking top 25 sprinters in the world with the best of health so his best play financially should be football however I don't know if that's his dream. If his dream is to compete in a 100 meter final then let him chase it...I see nothing wrong with that at all.
I think he sucks. I don't blame last week's idiocy on him. That was a dumb call and Sheppard fumbled a ball that was perfectly handed off by Page....but that kid is good for a bonehead play in just about every single game. I don't see the upside. Kinda reminds me of when everybody got all overly excited about Peanut. I hope we have a better option next year or it'll be three straight seasons with no answer at KR.
"they rank 10th in both kick return average (25.2) and punt return average (10.9)." I think that says you are wrong.
I seem to be the only one who likes Page. I think that he's the future slot receiver unless we draft Watkins.
I think he sucks. I don't blame last week's idiocy on him. That was a dumb call and Sheppard fumbled a ball that was perfectly handed off by Page....but that kid is good for a bonehead play in just about every single game. I don't see the upside. Kinda reminds me of when everybody got all overly excited about Peanut. I hope we have a better option next year or it'll be three straight seasons with no answer at KR.
"they rank 10th in both kick return average (25.2) and punt return average (10.9)." I think that says you are wrong.
Has he gotten into the end zone yet? A lot of the average return stuff is due to blocking and scheme. The real good returners are the ones who make that final move and get in the end zone. Page is slow and doesn't break tackles.And Clifton Smith was a probowl returner so saying he sucked too is just dumb. Damn shame what that Panther POS did to him.
