Iowa's Brad Banks, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, ready made for the CFL style but doesn't start. How come?

Question

Many Big 10 fans would have thought that Banks would be starting by his 2nd year in the league, and one of the better QB's by now. Are injuries holding Banks back, or is it something else?

Answer 1

It's hard to say what makes a QB a success in the CFL. Ryan Dinwiddie has been so-so so far with the Bombers, despite the obvious abilities he displayed with Boise State. No NFL team wanted Warren Moon after his Rose Bowl win, but he became one of the CFL's greats and then showed everyone a black man could play QB in the NFL. Doug Flutie had the same sort of career. Vince Ferragamo was a joke in the CFL, then joined the Rams and led them to the playoffs. Then there are guys who had obscure NCAA careers, but become CFL stars.

One factor is that platoon QBs are often favoured in the CFL. Therefore a CFL QB who wants to get in the game may need to just get over having starter status and develop a speciality. Banks may blossom yet. I have to agree with the answer above-the Als are going with the aging Calvio because he is winning football games.  It's entirely possible Banks may be the better QB-but if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Answer 2

Banks ousting in Winnipeg was strange. One day, coach Doug Berry was praising Banks; the next Banks was shipped out. No one is saying exactly why the trade was made but there have been rumblings that Banks was still struggling with how to exploit CFL defences. The man is loaded with potential but this is now the second CFL team to wash its hands of him.  But quarterback Anthony Calvio is getting  older, it’s only a matter of time before a new starting quarterback has to be embraced.  Anthony Calvio is considered to be one of the leagues great quarterbacks..he's been a winner for a long time.  So banks is kind of stuck behind him untill Calvio calls it a career.  And even the he's got a hard battle for the starting spot.

Answer 3

I agree. As far as the NFL is concerned, there are a greater number of ground, slot and flat plays you can exploit, because the focus is more on rushing, if you had to pick between the two, whereas in the CFL with three downs, it's more of a shootout. It can be tough learning 12 man football, so you got a 12 man defense as well - more people moving on offense, more men to rush you. Just because guys are good in NCAA play doesn't mean that they're going to be All-Pro, regardless of the league - look at Troy Smith of The Ohio State University. Where is that guy now? So, in short, a good arm doesn't translate into a great QB worthy of a starting job.