Buffalo Bills

Nickell Robey looking to get back to old playing ways

Published Jun. 23, 2015 12:08 a.m. ET

foxsports

Buffalo Bills cornerback Nickell Robey had a strong rookie season that saw him record 30 tackles, 10 passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery. However, in 2014 Robey's production dipped as he had eight passes defended and no interceptions. He did record more tackles and one more fumble recovery but didn't adjust to Jim Schwartz's defense as well as he did to Mike Pettine's the year before.

Despite the dip in statistics, head coach Rex Ryan didn't seem to think Robey took much of a step back in 2014, especially after seeing Robey twice a year for each of the last two seasons.

“I don’t know how big of a step back he took last year because I thought he was outstanding,” said Ryan.

With Rex Ryan now at the helm for the Bills, Robey is hoping to return to his rookie form, especially with the similarities in schemes that Pettine and Ryan run.

“I think it’s better,” Robey said. “Last year, I was more just in coverage, basically. Softer coverage, too. I didn’t get to do everything I wanted to do as far as being aggressive and being able to play like I really like to play. This year, Rex allows me to do that.”

If Robey can return to his 2013 form, the Bills defense will be even tougher to defend than it was in 2014 when it ranked as one of the league's best defenses.

(h/t Buffalo News)

Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Kevin Jairaj