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Despite small stature, Brandon Banks could be a weapon for Redskins next season
Rookie wide receiver Brandon Banks has been a consistent playmaker as a return specialist, and the Redskins also envision him becoming a major contributor on offense in the coming seasons.
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has tried Banks in the Wildcat, and Banks could be productive in the formation because of his impressive speed.
But the Redskins must be smart about how they use the diminutive Banks (he's listed at 5 foot 7, 150 pounds in the Redskins media guide), whose lack of size likely means he will only be a role player on offense. But even as a specialist on offense, Banks could be a major weapon for the Redskins during the 2011 season.
"He is a real player because he is talented and stuff," Shanahan said. "But anytime you got someone who is smaller than everyone else like that, you are not sure how they are going to hold up.
"When you have guys start looking around and trying to avoid those contacts, it is tough to play well. But he doesn't think about it [being hit] at all. That is why he has done such a good job in his returns. He is not worried about getting hit. He is patient and smooth out there. When he sees a seam, he can hit it."
By
Jason Reid
| December 11, 2010; 3:12 PM ET
Categories:
Brandon Banks
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I'd like to see him used like the beagle use Deshawn Jackson.
Posted by: wireman65 | December 11, 2010 3:22 PM | Report abuse
Unless he's a threat to actually throw the ball I don't see him being very effective in the wildcat.
Posted by: wireman65 | December 11, 2010 3:24 PM | Report abuse
Yeah, the wildcat might not be the best use for him, but I'll bet he could do some damage on a reverse.
I'd also like to see us start using him on some bubble screens. We tried it early in the season and it was stuffed, but we were also at about the opponent's 7 or 8 yard line. Not a good place for a bubble screen since the defense is playing so much closer to the line. That was just an unwise play call.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how Banks progresses. I like everything about the guy. Lightning fast, slick moves, and a great attitude.
He and Anthony Armstrong have been nice surprises this season. If McNabb can improve his timing with those two guys, we'll do some damage with the deep ball, because they can both burn corners.
Posted by: freakzilla | December 11, 2010 3:40 PM | Report abuse
Cam Newton as Wildcat QB. BB as the fly sweep RB. James Davis as RB. Oh la la.
Posted by: TWISI | December 11, 2010 3:43 PM | Report abuse
Russellmania09 #Redskins will promote OL Erik Cook to 53 man roster today, per #NFL sources, Cook 'replaces' Albert Haynesworth on roster.
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for Android
Cook made some progress during preseason at LG per John Keim.
Posted by: TWISI | December 11, 2010 3:51 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: freakzilla | December 11, 2010 3:40 PM
Ever since SBXVIII I'm not a big fan of screens that close to the goal line. I do look forward to the wise, sneaky and inovative use of this guy.
Posted by: wireman65 | December 11, 2010 4:05 PM | Report abuse
By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
Posted: December 11, 2010
Fitzgerald
The Redskins have signed rookie offensive lineman Erik Cook to the 53-man roster, promoting him from the practice squad.
The move was announced on Saturday afternoon as the Redskins made final preparations for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.
Cook takes the roster spot previously held by defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who was suspended last Tuesday.
Cook, 6-6 and 320 pounds, was the Redskins’ seventh-round draft pick (229th overall) last April.
He played in all four of the Redskins’ preseason games, lining up at both guard and center.
Cook was released at the end of preseason but quickly signed on with the Redskins’ practice squad.
Cook played college football at New Mexico, where he was a three-year starter at center for the Lobos. He is a native of Albuquerque, N.M.
The Redskins’ roster now consists of eight rookies and 18 players with one year of experience or less.
Posted by: TWISI | December 11, 2010 4:48 PM | Report abuse
Cam Newton as Wildcat QB. BB as the fly sweep RB. James Davis as RB. Oh la la.
Posted by: TWISI | December 11, 2010 3:43 PM
Pretty sure you're joking. It's not the wildcat unless it's a RB/WR. If it's the QB then it's the shotgun formation.
I would stay far away from Cam Newton and QB for that matter in this YRs draft. Need to build the OL/DL/OLB position.
Good to see Cook get the call. He's too tall (6'6) to play center but is pretty good prospect at OG.
Posted by: Diesel44 | December 11, 2010 4:52 PM | Report abuse
Pretty sure you're joking. It's not the wildcat unless it's a RB/WR. If it's the QB then it's the shotgun formation.
I would stay far away from Cam Newton and QB for that matter in this YRs draft. Need to build the OL/DL/OLB position
Posted by: Diesel44 | December 11, 2010 4:52 PM
Yes joking. I agree with you on those positions being the most critical for the Skins.
Posted by: TWISI | December 11, 2010 4:57 PM | Report abuse
Why is Armstrong in the title????
Posted by: cnewso01 | December 11, 2010 5:19 PM | Report abuse
I think the Skins need help at every position on the field, and their biggest weapon weighs 150 lbs. After the season the Skins should cut anyone over 25 years old and start all over again.
Posted by: josettes | December 11, 2010 9:14 PM | Report abuse
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