Will Brandon Banks' East Final returns prove a precedent for Grey Cup heroics? (videos)

One of the major stories in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' 40-24 win over the Montreal Alouettes in Sunday's East Final was the spectacular play of Hamilton punt returner Brandon Banks, who took punts back 93 and 88 yards for touchdowns (and had a third 78-yard touchdown return nullified by a penalty). Banks was named our First Star of the week for his contributions in the return game (in total, he had five punt returns for 226 yards, plus the nullified one), but he also showed off his versatility Sunday; he added 35 rushing yards on three carries and four catches (the second-highest total on the team) for 33 yards. However, it's the return game where he may have the biggest role to play this week. The Grey Cup has seen electrifying returners shinebefore, and we'll find out Sunday if Banks can add his name to that exclusive list. Based on what he did against Montreal, that may not be that farfetched. Here's his first touchdown return, of 93 yards, which took place with the Ticats trailing 14-13 and just 48 seconds left before halftime:

And here's his second one, of 88 yards, which came as the Alouettes were attempting a comeback and only down by six with just over four minutes left:

Those are both spectacular returns, but they came in slightly different ways. At the start of both returns, Banks evades a whole crowd of Alouettes, but in the first return, he continues to cut back and forth across the field, waiting for downfield blocks and moving back to the inside in the end to get into the end zone. That shows off his tremendous return instincts, his agility, and his elusiveness. The second return is more of a pure speed one: Banks uses some moves to get outside, but then he just kicks in the afterburners and flies down the sidelines with no one able to catch him. The combination of these returns shows how dangerous Banks can be; he's not always just looking to get to the sidelines, and he's good in a crowd, but he also has the speed needed to blow by people if you do give him an outside lane. We'll see if he's able to add to his highlight reel in the Grey Cup Sunday.