Brandon Banks has had his share of struggles on kick returns this season, but his performance last Sunday vs. Dallas was exactly the type of breakout game he needed.

Banks logged seven punt returns for a 32.3-yard average and four kick returns for a 23.3-yard average. He had punt returns of 32 and 55 yards. The 32-yarder set up a Redskins touchdown and the 55-yarder was a career-high.

Banks provided a spark for the Redskins last season, averaging 11.8 yards on punt return and 25.1 yards on kick returns, including a 96-yard touchdown in Detroit.

He has struggled with consistency this year, though. He hopes that last Sunday's performance gives him more confidence in the second half of the season.

"Yeah, I have been [frustrated[ because I feel like any time I touch the ball I can go the distance," the 5-7, 155-pound speedster said. "I'm just trying to stay relaxed and when it comes, it comes."

Head coach Mike Shanahan was pleased with Banks' efforts throughout the Dallas game.

"I thought Brandon did a good job," Shanahan said. "He gave us some good [field] position. He gave us the opportunity to get some good field position."

For the season, Banks has returned 25 punts for an 11.8-yard average, which is ranked sixth in the NFL.

On kick returns, Banks has returned 32 kicks for a 23.4-yard average, ranked 16th in the NFL.