The case for Brandon Banks., the 'Mike Nelms' of the new millennium.

[No Excuses]

I know we are keeping 7 WRs but where are we are gonna slim down?

Running back. I'd rather carry 7 WR's with Banks, Hankers and Paul making the roster than Royster being the 4th back.

Shanahan is a beast at finding RB's. Players like Royster are available every year. Put him on PS, if he gets snatched up, oh well.

[skinfan2k]

Running back. I'd rather carry 7 WR's with Banks, Hankers and Paul making the roster than Royster being the 4th back.

Shanahan is a beast at finding RB's. Players like Royster are available every year. Put him on PS, if he gets snatched up, oh well.

ok thats fine. i am assuming 3 qbs, 3 rbs, 2 FB, 3 TEs, 8OL, 7 WR,

special teams LS, K, P

Defensive 7 DL, 8 LB, 5 CB, 4 S

[Titaw]

Why do we feel the need to compare current players to those players of the past. Why can't players like Banks, Helu, Orakpo, Kerrigan, etc. be the next generation of "special" players for this franchise. We will never get another Monk, Green, Grimm, Mitchell, or Hanburger on this team but maybe this new crew can create those memories that create a lasting impact on this franchise so one day our kids growing up now can be making comparisons to THESE players.

These are exciting times because our team is young and hungry and with the proper motivation and leadership this team WILL be great, maybe not this year but SOON.

[SonnyandSam]

OK...I'm flip flopping. We need to keep Banks. I had hoped that Austin, Paul or Robinson would step up and show us something similar to Banks but in a bigger body. Didn't happen. IF Banks knee is not swollen this morning, Shanny needs to keep him. Way to valuable and way to exciting to cut. But I still say he is going to get broken in half someday in a collision. At least now we have enough depth that we have someone to step in should he get injured. Don't get me wrong; I'm not wishing injury on speedy Banks; it's just that my wife is bigger than Banks is.

So what roster spot should he take? A QB. Cut Clemens.....he was awful in preseason. Go with 2 QBs and pick-up a developmental QB for the PS from the waiver wire on Saturday.

[pjfootballer]

I say go with 2 QBs. Put Chappell on the PS if no one has picked him up yet.

[sportjunkie07]

so banks is making this team.. now everyone can shut up about it.

i do wish the td would have been overturned. in my opinion, banks is one of the few left on the roster with character issues. banks needs to be a team first kinda guy, and right now i see him as questionable in that area. hopefully banks will learn from that "near miss", but an overturned td would have helped him more.

also, if the td was overturned, how is it the bucs ball at the 20? that makes zero sense. what a stupid rule. its not like the bucs recovered the ball. if anything, it should be down at the 1 or skins ball at the 10.

[Botched]

so banks is making this team.. now everyone can shut up about it.

i do wish the td would have been overturned. in my opinion, banks is one of the few left on the roster with character issues. banks needs to be a team first kinda guy, and right now i see him as questionable in that area. hopefully banks will learn from that "near miss", but an overturned td would have helped him more.

also, if the td was overturned, how is it the bucs ball at the 20? that makes zero sense. what a stupid rule. its not like the bucs recovered the ball. if anything, it should be down at the 1 or skins ball at the 10.

I am a big Banks fan, and I agree. Although I'm actually glad he did something that stupid and got it out of his system, cause now he won't be such an idiot in the regular season. He needs to grow the hell up. These stupid celebrations drive me nuts, even when it's guys I like. Just spike the ball or something, please no skipping and dancing.

Mike Shanahan looked positively giddy after the TD, then when he saw what happened it looked like his head was gonna explode. I hope he gave BB an earful.

[Bifflog]

Why do we feel the need to compare current players to those players of the past. Why can't players like Banks, Helu, Orakpo, Kerrigan, etc. be the next generation of "special" players for this franchise. We will never get another Monk, Green, Grimm, Mitchell, or Hanburger on this team but maybe this new crew can create those memories that create a lasting impact on this franchise so one day our kids growing up now can be making comparisons to THESE players.

These are exciting times because our team is young and hungry and with the proper motivation and leadership this team WILL be great, maybe not this year but SOON.

But then when our kids will be comparing players to Banks, Helu, Kerrigan and Orakpo, your kids will be telling them to stop! It shall be a vicious cycle.

[martytheman]

A

Running back. I'd rather carry 7 WR's with Banks, Hankers and Paul making the roster than Royster being the 4th back.

Shanahan is a beast at finding RB's. Players like Royster are available every year. Put him on PS, if he gets snatched up, oh well.

What good is 7 wr's gonna do??? Are they all gonna see the field at once? Whos gonna throw to all of them to justify all the roster slots? How much is a 5th, 6th or 7th wr gonna contribute to justify a roster spot? Answer: not much if any. (Excluding banks, bc his st contributions will far outweigh rec's 4,5, and 6 combined)

[skinfan2k]

Actually Bank's mom put him on lockdown after the stabbing and he worked his butt after then

---------- Post added September-2nd-2011 at 10:26 AM ----------

A

What good is 7 wr's gonna do??? Are they all gonna see the field at once? Whos gonna throw to all of them to justify all the roster slots? How much is a 5th, 6th or 7th we gonna contribute to justify a roster spot? Answer: not much if any. (Excluding banks, bc his st contributions will far outweigh rec's 4,5, and 6 combinedd)

7 Wrs because look at all the young talent that there is. Austin, Hankerson and Paul are the future. Good teams have 4-5 good WRs. we just need to find a QB of the future to get them the ball. Shanny is building everything but the QB right now

[Conn]

Banks has proven me wrong again...as long as he can get that knee right, and not re-aggravate it.

So I think we need to keep 2 QB's and 1 FB, honestly. I'd rather keep all our promising WR's than keep Key Williams as a backup FB/RB. No need.

[maskedsuperstar]

Well that's pre-season done.

Yers want to tell me again that (paraphrasing as I aren't going through the thread to quote at 4:10 in the am) "Kick returners are easy to find/ we have equal returning talent than Banks who can also receive/ the new kick-off rule renders him expendable et all."

We have NOBODY on this team that's a threat to score EVERY TIME the ball's in their hands like Banks. The most exciting player on the roster bar NONE, sit back and let your adrenaline frantically course through your veins this year as #16 add's some genuine excitement to your Sunday's.

Hail.

And some wanted this guy cut. I just don't get the thinking of some fans. Its amazing!!

[SonnyandSam]

A

What good is 7 wr's gonna do??? Are they all gonna see the field at once? Whos gonna throw to all of them to justify all the roster slots? How much is a 5th, 6th or 7th wr gonna contribute to justify a roster spot? Answer: not much if any. (Excluding banks, bc his st contributions will far outweigh rec's 4,5, and 6 combined)

Special teams and developmental WRs. In a year or two, some of those young receivers replace Moss and Gaffney. In the mean time, they can return kicks and work the special teams as gunners.

What's a fourth running back going to do? Can only play one at a time using your reasoning. Question is really who is more valuable on the main roster and less likely to be picked up off waivers? Banks, Paul or Royer. Royer is least likely to contribute and least likely to be picked up by another team off waivers.

Banks is strictly a return guy anyway. He will never be a regular receiver; way too small. He may play in isolated situations from time to time. I don't see him as a 7th receiver. I see him as a return guy using the 3rd QB spot on the roster.

[maskedsuperstar]

I'm not going to sit here and argue, you make no sense. Your argument is we're stupid because we think rookies can't compete for a spot that is open. Congrats, you win!

case closed!!

[sportjunkie07]

banks = prime devin hester

would you cut devin hester? i didnt think so.

[maskedsuperstar]

I am a big Banks fan, and I agree. Although I'm actually glad he did something that stupid and got it out of his system, cause now he won't be such an idiot in the regular season. He needs to grow the hell up. These stupid celebrations drive me nuts, even when it's guys I like. Just spike the ball or something, please no skipping and dancing.

Mike Shanahan looked positively giddy after the TD, then when he saw what happened it looked like his head was gonna explode. I hope he gave BB an earful.

Skipping and dancing has been part of the game for a long time. Just back it up.

[Dan T.]

Mike Shanahan looked positively giddy after the TD, then when he saw what happened it looked like his head was gonna explode. I hope he gave BB an earful.

You don't see Shanny smile on the sidelines too often, but he was after that return. And yeah, it was short-lived...he looked pissed when he saw what happened. I don't know if he talked to Banks, but Danny Smith sure did. He was in Banks face, and if you read lips you saw him say "Hold onto the ****ing ball all the way." Good advice.

[sportjunkie07]

You don't see Shanny smile on the sidelines too often, but he was after that return. And yeah, it was short-lived...he looked pissed when he saw what happened. I don't know if he talked to Banks, but Danny Smith sure did. He was in Banks face, and if you read lips you saw him say "Hold onto the ****ing ball all the way." Good advice.

yep.. when the coaches sit down and review the tape you know there like, "he might be a little heady, but he is a weapon".

have you heard the announcers.. every one of them is suprised at his speed. when referring to his speed, i commonly hear, "when he turns it on, no one has a chance" or "its just not fair" or "and it looks like they are kicking away from banks again". he also got props from the other team's players and coach. the crowd gets excited every time he gets the ball.

bottom line, everyone knows that banks is a weapon and he is an advantage we have on almost every team.

[rick7423]

While I agree with the OP, Banks was a wonderful high light for last year.

And I, like alot of other fans probally held there breath everytime he fielded a kick.

You knew there was a chance for a run to the house, but there was also that possability that he would get snapped in half

by the coverage team.

But folks, the rules have changed. Do you really believe he is going to be as effective on kick offs now?

And do you really want to tie up a valuable roster spot for a player who is only going to field punts ??

YES! As the OP said, field position is EVERYTHING and BB provides that in spades.

[No Excuses]

A

What good is 7 wr's gonna do??? Are they all gonna see the field at once? Whos gonna throw to all of them to justify all the roster slots? How much is a 5th, 6th or 7th wr gonna contribute to justify a roster spot? Answer: not much if any. (Excluding banks, bc his st contributions will far outweigh rec's 4,5, and 6 combined)

It's a numbers and talent question.

Armstrong, Gaffney and Moss are locks. Hankerson will make it because he's the 3rd round pick. Austin will make it because of his good preseason and practice play. It comes down to keeping Niles Paul on the roster. He's talented and he won't last on the PS. I think you keep 7 WR's just to protect some of the talent from being snatched up.

[Conn]

It's a numbers and talent question.

Armstrong, Gaffney and Moss are locks. Hankerson will make it because he's the 3rd round pick. Austin will make it because of his good preseason and practice play. It comes down to keeping Niles Paul on the roster. He's talented and he won't last on the PS. I think you keep 7 WR's just to protect some of the talent from being snatched up.

Especially since a guy like Gaffney, though the clear #2 right now, is obviously a short-term option until another young guy is ready...so these youngin's won't be forever buried on the depth chart. There's room for one to step up as soon as next year. Whether its Austin, Paul, or Hankerson will be fun to watch.

[sportjunkie07]

It's a numbers and talent question.

Armstrong, Gaffney and Moss are locks. Hankerson will make it because he's the 3rd round pick. Austin will make it because of his good preseason and practice play. It comes down to keeping Niles Paul on the roster. He's talented and he won't last on the PS. I think you keep 7 WR's just to protect some of the talent from being snatched up.

i tend to agree with this. im questioning whether niles paul makes it past waivers.. id give him a shot if i was another gm in need of a wr.

i wonder how buchanon's supsension plays into our 53 man roster.. id almost rather cut buchanon and keep paul (and 7 wr's) if necessary.

[KingGibbs]

I am so on the Banks bandwagon now. Banks threat alone will give the 'skins good starting field position on punts whether they kick to him or not.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

I'm bumping this as a note of caution for all those clamoring for Banks to make the 53 again.

Be VERY careful what you wish for.

When I wrote the OP this time last year, Brandon Banks was just coming off an electrifying rookie campaign. We were still early in our rebuild, with either Grossman or Beck about to lead us into battle; and I didn't see how you couldn't keep a specific kick returner, who was one of the VERY few game changing players we had at the time; on the roster at the expense of a receiver who probably wouldn't contribute much of anything with either of those two QB throwing him the rock.

Then the 2011 season happened.

A season when Banks regressed. His average return yards went down. His electrifying runs stopped. He never come close to breaking one, or even flipping the field more than a handful of times. And he developed fumblitis. All not good for a guy who only had one job to do. And all of which relegated him back to being 'just A N Other kick returner', when he'd look set to join the Devin Hesters of this World. (Cue all the 'he was injured' brigade ..... ).

Fast forward to where we currently stand, one year on from the OP; and as much as I'd love Brandon to succeed, my opinion has vastly changed in the reality of the situation. We now have the roster dynamic changed, carrying an extra QB from last year. And the main QB is no longer a complete pro-chump, who needs good weapons to aid his limitless skill set. With the O-line situation, there's every chance we'll carry 9 or even 10 to compensate. Up on the two previous years 8. Leaving next to no room for a guy who STILL is a kick return specialist, and little else. He's been given a big chance to show he can contribute at receiver this pre-season, and failed to grasp it. But he returns one to the house against Chicago's scrubs, and suddenly he's back in the minds of many and worthy of that place. All the while we've added and developed receivers that can contribute and are far more valuable to a guy coming off an average return year. And guys who have shown to be a sufficient threat on returns too. No longer are we tied to a specific return man to get the job done.

Hell, even last night showed us nothing new on him we didn't already know. He has lightening speed, and has an advantage on a reverse/ end arounds. (How many times do we, or anyone in this league for that matter, run them again?). He yet again showed he needs the QB to throw a PERFECT ball, with him needing CLEAR separation, for there to be ANY chance of a completion. (I'm not even convinced, seeing it back this AM, the deep completion was a good one if regular officials are in the game.). And he muffed another kick. But the long completion counted, and he threatened a few times on punt returns so hopefully other desperate teams took note and we might be able to get some trade value for him. (By 'value', see pick. ANY pick.).

I actually don't think last night changed a darn thing in the HC's mind. Hell, even Robinson with his KO return of 35 yards (a good return for Brandon last season) showed we have more than enough options of speedy young guys to get the job done back there now. And that, along with the new roster dynamic, and Banks inability to contribute in the receiving game at his size; effectively make him totally redundant on this roster.

It was fun whilst it lasted. But we're moving forward, and that time is now over.

For those of you that will counter-argue this, as I'm sure you will, just be VERY careful what you wish for.

For I fear if you do get that wish, I could write a very similar post this time next year whilst bemoaning why we took another chance on our one trick pony.

Hail.

[Skinsfan4life83]

He was also injured last year. Everyone can have bad seasons. He still has the speed and elusiveness that make him special. As he showcased last night. Also you keep saying one trick pony which he obviously is not if used correctly.