Key to the Defense: Johnthan Banks
By Brian DeFeo
is entering a contract year and is ready for redemption. After a disappointing year in 2015, Banks may just be the key to the Buccaneers’ defense in 2016…and beyond.
More from Bucs News
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
- Todd Bowles admits he only looks at three things on Bucs schedule
They thought they had found a secondary that could be nicknamed “No Fly Zone.” With Dashon Goldson and Darrelle Revis, Banks could comfortably fit in as the number two corner. His rookie season he posted solid numbers with 55 tackles and 3 picks, after winning his fight with the well publicized MRSA outbreak at One Buc Place. In 2014 Revis was released and replaced with Alterraun Verner and Lovie Smith was hired to replace Greg Schiano. The new Tampa-2 system seemed to fit Banks perfectly as he had his best season with 50 tackles and 4 interceptions. It all went downhill in the 2015 season when Banks was inexplicably benched for Mike Jenkins and Leonard Johnson. As expected, he saw a decline in numbers, putting up only 25 tackles and zero interceptions.
2016 is not only a season where the Bucs need him to be better; he needs to be better if he wants a new contract. Banks role will be determined in the preseason because he needs to earn a starting spot on the roster. He knew if Lovie was still the coach there was a good chance he wasn’t going to be on the roster this season. He has an opportunity to shine with Mike Smith but he needs to perform since he, Verner, Grimes, and Hargreaves are all trying to claim three starting spots. Banks has the chance to succeed because he has one thing the other corners don’t have and that’s height. As the only above six foot corner on the roster he could have a very important role to play. In a division with stud wide receivers like Julio Jones and Kelvin Benjamin, the Bucs need the most height on defense they can get. He has shown he can do it before, both in college and flashes in his first two seasons.
Next: ESPN Disrespects Bucs Again...Surprise Surprise
The Bucs have pieces to be better on defense and might be able to stop a slant this year. They improved their pass rush with the additions of Noah Spence and Robert Ayers, but the secondary is still a question mark. If Banks can get it together and the other players in the secondary step up this team has a chance for great things. I’m very excited for this season in Tampa Bay.