Article on Banjo LINK

Chris Banjo was hard to ignore Sunday night.

Observers saw the New Orleans Saints safety's impact and the Los Angeles Chargers' returners couldn't avoid him.

The Saints punted nine times against the Chargers, and Banjo had four special teams tackles (three solo) in the Saints' 13-7 win.

But for the 5-foot-10, 207-pound Banjo, who also recorded a tackle on defense, it was simply another day at the office.

"I just try and do what I can every single game with the same mentality," Banjo said. "Just compete as much as I possibly can, especially on special teams where I try to help the team's field position for our defense."

Coach Sean Payton said after the game he would need to review the tape to properly evaluate how individual players performed.

Still, even Payton could tell from his vantage point on the sidelines that the special teams coverage performed well.

"I thought our coverage units in the kicking game were really good," Payton said.

Banjo originally joined the Saints in November 2016 on a one-year deal, and the Saints brought him back in March on a two-year, $2.6 million contract based largely on his contributions on special teams, where he logged 120 snaps.

He enjoys how special teams play will energize teammates on the sidelines, like what was observed Sunday night.

"We try to provide that as a group and I think we definitely did," said Banjo, who recorded 11 special teams snaps and 17 defensive snaps against the Chargers. "This is a stepping stone for us to continue to build upon and get better.

"But we all just try to feed off each other and provide energy to the team, offensively and defensively, in the return game and the kicking game."

Long snapper Justin Drescher agreed.

"I think if you watch Chris Banjo, he set the tone for us and that's the type of guy he is," Dresher said. "He's a leader, he's a guy who is going to go get it and it was fun to watch him go down and make plays."

Producing in all facets of special teams is an area Banjo has excelled since entering the league in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Methodist with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Banjo then landed with the Green Bay Packers after the Jaguars waived him, and spent three season and a portion of the 2016 season in Green Bay before arriving in New Orleans.

He had some help with the decision to sign with the Saints from former college teammate and current Saints punter Thomas Morstead, who said he pushed Banjo to come to New Orleans.

"He's just a special personality, he's a tremendous worker and he's just a smart special teams guy," Morstead said. "He makes the plays that people don't always see.

"Maybe tonight, you see him make a tackle, but sometimes when there's a return that busts open, he'll make a great block. He's just a really smart player. He made our punt team look good tonight, along with a lot of other guys."

The Saints focused on improving all areas of special teams during the offseason, and bringing back Banjo helped bolster the coverage units.

While he may fly under the radar to a majority casual observers, standing out on special teams remains his calling card.

"I take much pride in that," Banjo said. "I try to be a true professional and do it to the best of my ability."