Johnthan Banks Up To Task
August 10th, 2013
Of course, one of the most watched Bucs newcomers this season is cornerback Johnthan Banks. The rookie out of Mississippi State isn’t the object of attention just because he’s a rookie. No, the second-round pick likely will be starting and playing opposite of star cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Any corner playing on the other side of the field from Revis is going to be targeted. Banks’ inexperience, naturally, has Bucs fans wondering if he is up to the job.
In practice, he has been. But as wide receiver Chris Owusu, the star of training camp, showed Thursday night, the game is different under the lights with an opponent with a different colored-jersey.
In his day-after press conference, Schiano gave Banks a thumps-up in his debut as an NFL player.
“Well what I felt [Thursday] showed out on tape,” Schiano said. “It wasn’t too big for him, he challenged guys. You could see guys that are a little bit tentative out there at the corner, they’re going to give extra big cushion, they’re going to play with their eyes. The one thing that Johnthan keeps getting better at is he’s disciplining his eyes and that’s the hardest thing to do as a defensive back, is put your eyes where they’re supposed to be. If they’re supposed to be on the quarterback have them there, if they’re supposed to be on your man have them there and if you’re supposed to take them off your man at a certain time and put them on the quarterback. That sounds easy [but] it’s not when the guy is bearing down on you and there’s a crowd full of people waiting to see if you get beat.”
This is a good, first big step for Banks. But Joe is pretty sure Schiano will admit Banks isn’t a finished product. He must continue to improve.
It’s just a matter of weeks before Banks will be more popular for opposing quarterbacks than free beer and loose, forward women.
August 10th, 2013 at 9:43 am
I think we got 1st round talent with Banks. I expect him to outperform Milliner, Hayden, Rhodes & Trufant & Slay….all selected before Banks.
Banks will be tested early and often and knows he will be a target. He has the skills & confidence to succeed. He also will have some serious help from Goldson.
August 10th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@TBBufFan
He’ll also have the best corner in the game opposite him, giving him all kinds of advice. Banks couldn’t of gone to a better situation to learn and to play. I have no worries about the guy.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:04 am
@ Couch
Thanks, I forgot about the “Revis Factor”….that is a real bonus for Banks. Imagine him getting advice from Talib & Wright…
What a difference.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:09 am
Exactly!
August 10th, 2013 at 10:20 am
actually agree for once with Couch Fan on this one. Revis helping him out makes all the difference in the world.
I just hope fans dont turn on him completely because there are going to be times when he gets burned for long TD passes. he just needs to keep on improving and he will be fine.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@ Andrew
You’re right….he will get burned on occaision but so does everyone else…even Revis (far & few between occaisions)
But I think he is also a thumper in the run game…a real bonus for us and fits our personality.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:28 am
I too, (although rare) agree with Couch. And I agree with TBBF who started the conversation.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:33 am
@Andrew 1
I fully expect him to get burned probably a few times this season. He is still a rookie after all but overall I think he will be a heavy up grade over what we had last season. Along with Revis… this is an exciting secondary and probably now the strength of the defense. Man if we can just get some pass rush.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:37 am
@ tampabaybucfan
yep. he played one heck of a game Thursday night, verse the raven’s starters no less. I was very happy to see that.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@ Couch Fan
I agree, definitely an upgrade. I still cant help but imagine the possibilities if we had Barber playing the nickel for at least one more season, but Im confident Leonard Johnson can get the job done.
August 10th, 2013 at 10:56 am
Just remembered we also have that veteran nickel CB Adams from the cardinals. either I completely missed him Thursday night or he wasn’t on the field. he could also help out at the nickel CB position.
August 10th, 2013 at 11:04 am
I cant remember exactly where I read it but I’m pretty positive that Schiano has specifically said Adams is almost a lock to make this team. Schiano was very impressed with him though I dont recall even seeing him much on thursday night.
August 10th, 2013 at 11:18 am
I said this once and ill say it again. Johnthan banks will “Never” start over Leonard Johnson.
August 10th, 2013 at 11:28 am
I think to say “never” after just 1 game, after 1 good game actually, is a little premature and wishful thinking on your part. Just sayin…
August 10th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Don’t worry about the pressure on opposing QB’s. or lack there of, the secondary will be more than strong enuff to allow us to send a LB or two if needed.
I think our LB’s can and will do a real good job of getting to the QB
August 10th, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I like Leonard Johnson but Banks is going to be better. Longer and better instincts. It’s good to have both of them on the team. Even Gorrer looked like he’s learning from Revis. When I watched the game Friday I was happy with what I saw out of the first teams. I was happy right up until just before half time when the wheels fell off but by that time it was a field full of guys that are just fighting to make the team. I was really impressed with the way Glennon handled himself. Pretty good poise for a rookie.