Kelvin Banks had a fantastic collegiate career and is quickly progressing towards being a franchise cornerstone for the New Orleans Saints. However, the one blemish on his resume was his performance against Georgia’s Jalon Walker. Now, the two are set to face off again as the Saints host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Banks was dominant in almost every game he participated in. He played 2,778 snaps while at Texas and only gave up four sacks. The only player he faced that had his number was Walker. The former Bulldog was the sole player to get a sack against Banks in 2024.
Walker lines up all over the field but has primarily played on the right side. This means that he will frequently be over Banks. Walker’s had a great rookie season so far with four sacks and 17 pressures. This is a must-see matchup in Sunday’s game.
Kelvin Banks performing well is crucial to a Saints victory
It’s pivotal that Banks protects Tyler Shough if the Saints want to continue building momentum. Shough struggled with pressure in college and showed signs of it against the Buccaneers. He did look better against the Panthers but had much more time in the pocket.
Banks become even more important if Taliese Fuaga isn’t able to play. He’s been dealing with an ankle injury and was limited on Thursday. The rookie is already on an island and likely won’t get much help if Fuaga can’t go because the focus will be on protecting the right side.
Cameron Jordan against Matt Ryan. Marshon Lattimore against Mike Evans. CJ Gardner Johnson against Tom Brady, or really anyone who talks back to him. The Saints have had no shortage of player rivalries in the NFC South. Now, a new matchup is emerging as Kelvin Banks and Jalon Walker are set to face off against each other for the first time since college. It’s pivotal that Banks prevails and protects Tyler Shough for the Saints to win.