Big Blue Huddle

https://x.com/JustinPenik/status/1880337374267518985


Justin Penik
@JustinPenik
Two Deonte Banks stats that will shock you:

• Out of CB's with 400 coverage snaps, Banks was 3rd (!!) in the NFL in average target separation

• Banks was 8th in tight window rate when targeted

Just desperately NEEDS to get better at the catch point

Can you teach better ball skills or is it just instinctual?

Quote from: jgrangers2 on January 17, 2025, 03:38:14 PMCan you teach better ball skills or is it just instinctual?

That's a damn good question. 

For a CB "ball skills have the following elements"

> Being able to read a WR to know when you need to turn your head around

> Being able to quickly identify the ball in flight

> Figure out the trajectory and where the ball will end up in relationship to you

> The coordination to play the ball as it arrives

I would think there would be some sort of drills that could strengthen each aspect

Does third in average target separation mean third LEAST separation?

Guy stunk all year from what I watched

Sabin recruited CBs with ball skills at Alabama because he didn't have much success trying to teach them.

Quote from: MightyGiants on January 17, 2025, 03:48:03 PMThat's a damn good question. 

For a CB "ball skills have the following elements"

> Being able to read a WR to know when you need to turn your head around

> Being able to quickly identify the ball in flight

> Figure out the trajectory and where the ball will end up in relationship to you

> The coordination to play the ball as it arrives

I would think there would be some sort of drills that could strengthen each aspect

In high school I was a hybrid WR DB, but I preferred defense; I remember my coach's words: After you've done your job staying close to your man, once the ball leaves the QBs hands, consider yourself a WR as if the ball was thrown for you to go get,

Quote from: Bob In PA on January 17, 2025, 04:02:01 PMDoes third in average target separation mean third LEAST separation?

Yes, Banks was excellent at sticking with his man

Quote from: MightyGiants on January 17, 2025, 07:42:24 PMYes, Banks was excellent at sticking with his man

Rich: Makes sense, because the criticism is that he usually knows how to get to the right spot on the field but doesn't know what to do when he gets there. lol  That's how most erstwhile wide receivers become d-backs. It's usually hands of stone, or lack of ability to high-point or located the ball in the air. Bob

Banks never had problems sticking with his man ... seems like he just never know what to do when the ball is in the air and starting to drop

From his stats and what I saw this year hes a solid number 2. If we get a lockdown 1 to pair with Banks and Phillips we are right there. I'd love to grab one in FA so that the draft is wide open for us.

Games I watched him, there was a 19 yard cushion. Perhaps this was not his fault. Frustrating to watch Bills n Ravens CB play so aggressive at line of scrimmage yet we can't

Quote from: MightyGiants on January 17, 2025, 07:42:24 PMYes, Banks was excellent at sticking with his man

It seems like it may be easier to teach the first 90% of playing CB but the last 10% when the ball is in the air is more about a CB's instincts and timing and coordination.

Quote from: Trench on January 20, 2025, 12:37:54 AMGames I watched him, there was a 19 yard cushion. Perhaps this was not his fault. Frustrating to watch Bills n Ravens CB play so aggressive at line of scrimmage yet we can't

You don't have to be aggressive at corner when your Dline is healthy and feasting.