Godfather Brooks Blesses Johnthan Banks
October 16th, 2015
Bucs legend Derrick Brooks is a skilled diplomat when he talks about the Buccaneers on his weekly show, Tampa-2 on WDAE-AM 620.
So it’s always noteworthy when Brooks offers a strong message of praise directed at a player.
Speaking with co-host Steve Duemig on Wednesday, Brooks made it clear that he didn’t want to make a big deal about Lavonte David having a good day against the Jaguars. Brooks said it was something to build on and there was no reason to get too excited.
But there was a different message when Brooks talked about Johnthan Banks, the third-year cornerback who has missed the past two games with a knee injury suffered in Houston.
Brooks said he had no intimate knowledge of why Alterraun Verner has lost so many snaps to Tim Jennings and Mike Jenkins. However, he does know how valuable Banks is.
“Obviously, Banks not being in affects the play of that secondary,” Brooks said. “Because he is one of the guys that, you know, you’re saying that’s gotten better every single week before his injury. He was that guy even dating back to last year. So again, just hope Johnthan Banks gets back soon as possible.
“But in just putting the spotlight on [Jennings]. Yeah, can he play better? Absolutely. But I don’t think all the scores you saw were just totally his fault. But you definitely want him to pick up the play.”
Strong praise from Brooks. Hopefully, this represents an indicator that Lovie Smith won’t do something crazy, like start Jennings and Jenkins ahead of Banks when he returns soon from injury.
October 16th, 2015 at 12:35 pm
hmmmm, usually that show is the Lovie Smith apology hour!!! It was getting so bad that some were calling him “Mr. Derrick Excuse”!!!!
Hopefully that lovie will listen to one of his biggest sheep out there and start playing the best players!!!!
October 16th, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Hey Thanks Brooks
Thanks for not slamming ur “xs and os” like white does and shining some light on some positives. True Buc and high respect. That’s what we need some positives.
October 16th, 2015 at 12:52 pm
So Realist, you’re saying you know better than someone that has forgotten more football than you will ever know. These types of statements, that you make, make whatever case you’re trying to make look a whole lot weaker.
October 16th, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Didn’t hear Derrick Brooks on that show, but I certainly agree with his comments. We need Johnthan Banks back quickly. And need Alterran Verner getting more snaps. Also agree that Tim Jennings can play better … couldn’t have played much worse.
October 16th, 2015 at 1:17 pm
@ptwalk
I know that DB #55 was coached by Lovie. I know that DB #55 played his whole career under the same defensive scheme that Lovie is basically using. He knows a lot of football, But when it comes to Lovie, he might be too close to the situation to honestly judge Lovie.
October 16th, 2015 at 1:18 pm
To change, means you were wrong. Lovie and chang is difficult.
October 16th, 2015 at 1:24 pm
There is no question that Banks is improving…….we need to add CB to the list of high draft picks next year…..if a good one is available in round 2 or 3….we need to be on him.
October 16th, 2015 at 1:31 pm
@passthebuc….
I have to agree ! One of the keys to me understanding Lovie is ralizing he has ALOT OF TROuble admitting he is wrong about some things ! If you reallylisten to him talk, he makes a lot of excuses, but very rarely says “I made a mistake… or I was wrong”
October 16th, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Largo…that is VERY true and fans blasted Schiano for taking the blame most of the time at his pressers. This guy never does ANY of that. In fact someone let me know when Lovie takes the blame for something. I want to write that day down on the calendar.
October 16th, 2015 at 1:51 pm
How can anyone on this message board feel that their opinion about football is more insightful than Derrick Brooks? Who here wants to question his knowledge, integrity, or honesty? If you think Brooks is wrong…than you have better have a resume to backup your comments!
October 16th, 2015 at 2:29 pm
James Walker…who here on this board has criticized Derrick Brooks??????
Also do you think Brooks would ever be critical of Lovie’s decisions…on the air???
I think not. Realist you’re right on this one buddy, once again. Peeps just don’t want to face reality that’s all.
October 16th, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Why haven’t the media asked Lovie about Banks, his injury, and when he will return? Further more why not ask him why he’s starting both Jennings and Jenkins when they appear to be playing terrible.
October 16th, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Lovie refuses to answer questions about injuries……not saying that’s right or wrong…..just his way.
With Banks…..he will simply say he’s improving…..
What you need to do is to see if a player practices…..that usually means they can and will play….it doesn’t work the other way around though….a player may not practice….but still may end up playing.
To Lovie’s credit…he doesn’t discriminate….he does this with every player and every situation.
October 16th, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Alright boys and girls Yungry has arrived. The discussion can begin now…
October 16th, 2015 at 4:32 pm
@Realist
I can respect your point of view but he also has insight that we don’t have from his experience with Lovie. I just tend to trust what he says because of that.
October 16th, 2015 at 4:46 pm
@ptwalk
Thats fine, I trust what I see!!! I am sure that Mr Derrick Brooks will tell me that his Grand Ma made the worlds best meatloaf as well!!!!
October 16th, 2015 at 5:51 pm
ptwalk…yes and my mother thinks I’m a handsome guy.
October 16th, 2015 at 7:17 pm
TBBF it needs to be our first pick.
My vote is VHIII all the way.
October 16th, 2015 at 10:36 pm
TBBF
Women and Children First. 1980 Invasion. St. Pete Bayfront Center.
My first concert. AMAZING!!!
October 17th, 2015 at 8:04 pm
@Buc1987 I am sick of the anti-Lovie narrative. If Brooks says that Lovie can succeed than we should shut up and listen.