What Are They Doing with Nickell Robey?!!

[YoloinOhio]

We love you, Nickel Nickell!

Edited May 30, 2014 by YoloinOhio

[Big C]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uqldAgkz4

 

 

This is not a man without a place on the team.

[Luxy312]

I like Robey's competitiveness and his spirit on the field. However, you can't simply ignore his physical limitations when putting him on the field. Against small, quick receivers, I wouldn't have a problem putting Robey and all of his 5-8 165 pound body out there. Against 6-1 to 6-2 slot receivers, I'm going to favor a bigger physical guy like Brooks all day. He outweighs Robey by 30+ pounds and when you look at his height and reach advantage, can cover about 2 feet more space in each direction. In terms of Graham, we just need to be realistic as fans. You don't give a guy a 4-year $16 million deal with $8.1 million guaranteed contract so that you can "see what happens" in competition. Besides, Marrone already has stated that they're going to see what he can do at Free Safety. I would expect a mix of Robey, Brooks and perhaps Rogers to be out there, but only on nickel and dime packages, and certainly only when the matchups make sense.

[Cash]

I like Robey's competitiveness and his spirit on the field. However, you can't simply ignore his physical limitations when putting him on the field. Against small, quick receivers, I wouldn't have a problem putting Robey and all of his 5-8 165 pound body out there. Against 6-1 to 6-2 slot receivers, I'm going to favor a bigger physical guy like Brooks all day. He outweighs Robey by 30+ pounds and when you look at his height and reach advantage, can cover about 2 feet more space in each direction. In terms of Graham, we just need to be realistic as fans. You don't give a guy a 4-year $16 million deal with $8.1 million guaranteed contract so that you can "see what happens" in competition. Besides, Marrone already has stated that they're going to see what he can do at Free Safety. I would expect a mix of Robey, Brooks and perhaps Rogers to be out there, but only on nickel and dime packages, and certainly only when the matchups make sense.

 

Agreed about Graham, but the only problem with your Brooks logic is that he's bad at football and Robey isn't.

[Big Turk]

Robey was one of the best slot corners in the NFL last year by any definition. Likely they are seeing what others can do,Robey literally takes the slot receiver out of the passing game

[Luxy312]

Agreed about Graham, but the only problem with your Brooks logic is that he's bad at football and Robey isn't.

 

The Bills disagree with you, otherwise he wouldn't be playing NFL football and certainly wouldn't be getting looks ahead of Robey in Nickel and Dime packages in the 9 on 9 drills. At the end of the day, Robey was better coached in college (Marrone said this himself), and Brooks has dealt with injuries in both of his first two seasons. When all is said and done, Brooks has the speed (4.35), agility (7.16 cone) and size to be a #2 CB in the NFL. Robey will never be anything more than a situational defender. There is no upside beyond what we've seen from him.

[mrags]

 

 

The Bills disagree with you, otherwise he wouldn't be playing NFL football and certainly wouldn't be getting looks ahead of Robey in Nickel and Dime packages in the 9 on 9 drills. At the end of the day, Robey was better coached in college (Marrone said this himself), and Brooks has dealt with injuries in both of his first two seasons. When all is said and done, Brooks has the speed (4.35), agility (7.16 cone) and size to be a #2 CB in the NFL. Robey will never be anything more than a situational defender. There is no upside beyond what we've seen from him.

your crazy. Robey is a stud. That was shown last year.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uqldAgkz4

 

 

This is not a man without a place on the team.

thank you. Helps some better realize just how awesome he was last year.

[Last Guy on the Bench]

your crazy. Robey is a stud. That was shown last year.

 

thank you. Helps some better realize just how awesome he was last year.

 

And that video doesn't even show one of his best plays - the forced fumble and recovery against the Jags. It's the first video clip in the right hand column here:

 

http://www.nfl.com/player/nickellrobey/2540197/profile

[The Big Cat]

your crazy. Robey is a stud. That was shown last year.

 

thank you. Helps some better realize just how awesome he was last year.

 

Yep. Early in the season he missed two opportunities for a pick six. He didn't miss the third.

 

God, he had such a monster game in week 16. The Dolphins were still in playoff contention, and he made it look like they didn't even care to be there.

[Braedenstearns]

He just had a INT in OTA's today! Its I'm the can't miss play on the Bills app.

[FireChan]

The Bills disagree with you, otherwise he wouldn't be playing NFL football and certainly wouldn't be getting looks ahead of Robey in Nickel and Dime packages in the 9 on 9 drills. At the end of the day, Robey was better coached in college (Marrone said this himself), and Brooks has dealt with injuries in both of his first two seasons. When all is said and done, Brooks has the speed (4.35), agility (7.16 cone) and size to be a #2 CB in the NFL. Robey will never be anything more than a situational defender. There is no upside beyond what we've seen from him.

 

The Bills don't necessarily disagree. Brooks' is getting looks because if he doesn't prove he belongs, he's gone. It's that simple. Robey wouldn't have started last year if Brooks' was better. You're honestly saying an UDFA rookie CB had an advantage in COACHING than a two year vet? So like, those years of NFL coaching weren't as good as USC coaching? Really?

 

Who cares about Brooks' cone drill? Robey played big time last year, despite his "lacking" tangibles.The kid has great instincts, he sniffed out a ton of plays last year, and got beat by a couple superstar WR's and a HoF TE. Ron Brooks isn't stopping Tony Gonzales either. Take Kiko out of the equation, and Robey would have been our overall ROY, or at least a contender. Robey had a few mistakes, but it almost looked like 90% of his tackles were on 3rd down behind the line. Brooks may one day perhaps maybe possibly look like a #2. But Robey already showed what he can do.

Edited May 30, 2014 by FireChan

[Heitz]

I bet they did this just to mess with TBD, those crafty Doug's just knew this would drive everyone crazy.

 

Also, after watching that video I'm convinced that Roby is our BEST defensive player!

 

One thing we can all agree on, it's always nice to see us beating the Dolphins, even in footage from last year...

[Matt in KC]

Yep. Early in the season he missed two opportunities for a pick six. He didn't miss the third.

 

God, he had such a monster game in week 16. The Dolphins were still in playoff contention, and he made it look like they didn't even care to be there.

I just re-watched that game Wednesday. I've heard a lot of people talk about great players taking a team "on their back" and carrying them. Yes, many other players had good games too, but Robey was on fire. I don't remember ever seeing another nickel cornerback making that kind of (positive) impact on a game.

[boyst]

 

 

Candidate for TBDism thread?

Shirley you can't be serious. I use that all the time and do many dumb things like that unpurpose

[The Big Cat]

I just re-watched that game Wednesday. I've heard a lot of people talk about great players taking a team "on their back" and carrying them. Yes, many other players had good games too, but Robey was on fire. I don't remember ever seeing another nickel cornerback making that kind of (positive) impact on a game.

 

But there were times when it was CLEAR he was blitzing and the Dolphins just pooped themselves. As amazing as he was that day (I was there and he alone made the rain/cold tolerable), the Dolphins were almost as bad.

[Matt in KC]

But there were times when it was CLEAR he was blitzing and the Dolphins just pooped themselves. As amazing as he was that day (I was there and he alone made the rain/cold tolerable), the Dolphins were almost as bad.

Of course you're right on the sacks. Really the Dolphins looked every bit as bad as I'm saying he looked good. Still he took the right speed/angle and closed the deal every time. If it was 2 plays, I'd discount it, but he had something like 6-7 big impact plays.

[thebandit27]

Shirley you can't be serious. I use that all the time and do many dumb things like that unpurpose

 

Obviously...that's why I said it here and didn't put it in the TBDism thread.

[YoloinOhio]

If Robey wasn't hand-picked by Marrone and Henderson, I would worry more. When they interviewed Robey a couple months ago on WGR he talked about how hard he was recruited by Henderson during the draft so he would sign as a UDFA and Marrone indicated he watched him at USC when they played Cuse and that put him on his radar. Since both coaches are still here, coupled with his in-game perfomance last year I think he has a very good chance to be on the field on Sundays.

Edited May 30, 2014 by YoloinOhio

[DOGNESS]

Some choose to ignore the tea leaves. I dont. Just another dark cloud on the horizon of the Jim Schwartz defense. I can hear it now. 5 games into the regular season when we dont have a single sack and are again getting gouged for five hundred yards on a regular basis. 'These same defenses worked when I was a coordinator in 2001 so they should work now.' 'We just need to do a better job of winning one on one battles.' Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah. Nothing Ive seen or heard so far makes me think that this guy is nothing more than Dave Wannstadt Jr. Hope im wrong.

 

The Bills disagree with you, otherwise he wouldn't be playing NFL football and certainly wouldn't be getting looks ahead of Robey in Nickel and Dime packages in the 9 on 9 drills. At the end of the day, Robey was better coached in college (Marrone said this himself), and Brooks has dealt with injuries in both of his first two seasons. When all is said and done, Brooks has the speed (4.35), agility (7.16 cone) and size to be a #2 CB in the NFL. Robey will never be anything more than a situational defender. There is no upside beyond what we've seen from him.

Brooks sucks. Wake up.

[YoloinOhio]

Some choose to ignore the tea leaves. I dont. Just another dark cloud on the horizon of the Jim Schwartz defense. I can hear it now. 5 games into the regular season when we dont have a single sack and are again getting gouged for five hundred yards on a regular basis. 'These same defenses worked when I was a coordinator in 2001 so they should work now.' 'We just need to do a better job of winning one on one battles.' Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah. Nothing Ive seen or heard so far makes me think that this guy is nothing more than Dave Wannstadt Jr. Hope im wrong.

 

Brooks sucks. Wake up.

[Luxy312]

The Bills don't necessarily disagree. Brooks' is getting looks because if he doesn't prove he belongs, he's gone. It's that simple. Robey wouldn't have started last year if Brooks' was better. You're honestly saying an UDFA rookie CB had an advantage in COACHING than a two year vet? So like, those years of NFL coaching weren't as good as USC coaching? Really?

 

Who cares about Brooks' cone drill? Robey played big time last year, despite his "lacking" tangibles.The kid has great instincts, he sniffed out a ton of plays last year, and got beat by a couple superstar WR's and a HoF TE. Ron Brooks isn't stopping Tony Gonzales either. Take Kiko out of the equation, and Robey would have been our overall ROY, or at least a contender. Robey had a few mistakes, but it almost looked like 90% of his tackles were on 3rd down behind the line. Brooks may one day perhaps maybe possibly look like a #2. But Robey already showed what he can do.

 

I didn't say this. I reiterated what DOUG MARRONE said. Is it clearer in ALL CAPS? LOL. Guess he must be wrong. I never disagreed that Robey has made plays or looked good at times when he was in the right situation. ROY though? Really? The kid had 3 sacks, 1 int, 21 solo tackles and 9 assists and 2 whole starts for the season. Due to very simple physical limitations, this kid will never translate to an every down CB. For the same reason, I don't believe we will see him in every nickel and dime package. We'll see what happens in September, but that's all I'm really saying here.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

I've been wondering why Robey seems to be rotating in so late, according to OTA reports. Joe B. is wondering the same thing:

 

http://www.wgr550.co...4669?pid=405020

 

I confess that one of my biggest worries about the team is that Schwartz will reconstruct the defense according to his preconceived ideas. Couldn't really blame him, but it will still suck. Last years defense was dangerous and fun to watch for the first time in a decade, and I loved every minute of it. And Robey really stood out. He's a playmaker. In one year, as a UDFA, he cracked my top three or four current favorite Bills to watch.

 

I hope they are not going to limit his playing time because of size or scheme fit. If he doesn't fit the scheme, adjust your bloody scheme. There is no universe in which Ron Brooks deserves to be playing ahead of Robey. The same likely holds for Graham and Cockrell, but we'll have to see about that.

 

Free, Nickell!

 

Wandstatt 2.0

[YoloinOhio]

Wandstatt 2.0

Schwartz = Wanny because he is trying to get a look at guys he doesn't have film on?

[FireChan]

The Bills disagree with you, otherwise he wouldn't be playing NFL football and certainly wouldn't be getting looks ahead of Robey in Nickel and Dime packages in the 9 on 9 drills. At the end of the day, Robey was better coached in college (Marrone said this himself), and Brooks has dealt with injuries in both of his first two seasons. When all is said and done, Brooks has the speed (4.35), agility (7.16 cone) and size to be a #2 CB in the NFL. Robey will never be anything more than a situational defender. There is no upside beyond what we've seen from him.

I didn't say this. I reiterated what DOUG MARRONE said. Is it clearer in ALL CAPS? LOL. Guess he must be wrong. I never disagreed that Robey has made plays or looked good at times when he was in the right situation. ROY though? Really? The kid had 3 sacks, 1 int, 21 solo tackles and 9 assists and 2 whole starts for the season. Due to very simple physical limitations, this kid will never translate to an every down CB. For the same reason, I don't believe we will see him in every nickel and dime package. We'll see what happens in September, but that's all I'm really saying here.

 

I realize Marrone said it. I believe how you're using it is wrong.

 

Robey vs. Brooks, if they were both rookies, it would be a fair point. Robey was better coached in college, fair. It's no excuse for Brooks to be outplayed by him when he has been in the NFL twice as long.

 

ROY for the Bills, yeah. UDFA at 5'7" playing only in nickel packages? Those numbers would be good for a later round pick out of the draft. For a limited UDFA, they're incredible. Robey is a sure tackler, he flies around the field, and hits pretty hard. I haven't seen any of that out of Brooks.

 

I agree he may be limited in who he can cover, but I think he's outperformed Brooks in half the time, hasn't gotten injured twice and beat Brooks out last year. To say the Bills disagree with Robey being better than Brooks is ludicrous. We don't even need a #1 or #2 CB, as McKelvin has arrived and Gilmore has proved more than Brooks. Brooks may hopefully turn out to be a guy who has a better shot of guarding AJ Green than Robey, but at this juncture, I'd take my chances with Robey.

Edited May 30, 2014 by FireChan

[VanCity]

Last Guy. Where are you in South Africa? I'm headed there at the end of June and have a free day in Joburg. Any tips on things to do?

[Heitz]

Schwartz = Wanny because he is trying to get a look at guys he doesn't have film on?

 

Did everyone on TBD hit their head today? Holy cow, Roby isn't "starting" in OTAs, therefore Schwatrz's D is going to suck and the guy is Wanny 2.0... o_O

 

FWIW I listen to a ton of Sirius NFL (and watch a lot of NFLN) and most of the former players and coaches that are commentators are praising the JS move. Heck, Bilichick has praised the guy up and down - pretty sure he has more football knowledge that TBD...

[The Big Cat]

Did everyone on TBD hit their head today? Holy cow, Roby isn't "starting" in OTAs, therefore Schwatrz's D is going to suck and the guy is Wanny 2.0... o_O

 

FWIW I listen to a ton of Sirius NFL (and watch a lot of NFLN) and most of the former players and coaches that are commentators are praising the JS move. Heck, Bilichick has praised the guy up and down - pretty sure he has more football knowledge that TBD...

 

I think we're all still scarred from the Wanny debacle. Make no mistake, that clown set us back five years. I'm struggling to recall whether he got the same level of public praise you mention here.

[Beerball]

4 pages...Damn, I love the off season!

[Heitz]

I think we're all still scarred from the Wanny debacle. Make no mistake, that clown set us back five years. I'm struggling to recall whether he got the same level of public praise you mention here.

 

Wanny got some praise, mostly from TBD rather than the media at large, from what I recall.

 

Regardless, seems crazy to predict doooooom when we have no clue what our final D alignment will look like and how Schwartz's unit will perform.

 

It's like people are crying over spilled milk, but in reality we haven't even opened the carton yet!

[Last Guy on the Bench]

Last Guy. Where are you in South Africa? I'm headed there at the end of June and have a free day in Joburg. Any tips on things to do?

 

I'm in Cape Town, Van. Been here three years, but sadly, except for a quick business trip, I haven't spent any time in Joburg, so no inside info for you, unfortunately. But it's a really interesting country. Enjoy your trip!

[DOGNESS]

Last Guy. Where are you in South Africa? I'm headed there at the end of June and have a free day in Joburg. Any tips on things to do?

Yea. Dont get murdered.

[3rdand12]

Shirley you can't be serious. I use that all the time and do many dumb things like that unpurpose

Shirley , its on porpoise

and why some of us love ya man. regardless of the flowerynesses ( see : lavender )

 

Schwartz = Wanny because he is trying to get a look at guys he doesn't have film on?

Schwartz > Wanny because he is trying to get a look at guys he doesn't have film on .

 

I think we're all still scarred from the Wanny debacle. Make no mistake, that clown set us back five years. I'm struggling to recall whether he got the same level of public praise you mention here.

Yep. And over stoked by Pettine's most excellent performance which was more Bills fun than i have had in eons .

Let the Scwhartz find the balance between run and pass defensed . And stop those big runs !! i will always loathe Blount . I did not even know who he was before that game

Dont forget we still have that master Donnie Henderson coaching these young men up

damnable Wannstache ruined it for alot of us. Imagine how Gailey feels. Finished him as a coach

Edited May 31, 2014 by 3rdand12

[Bufcomments]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI

lol i knew somebody would put this up, thanks Dr.

 

we talking about practice in shorts ...

[Bob Malooga]

To be fair...there is a reason they drafted Cockrell, in what, the 4th round? He is a big CB and I wouldn't be surprised to see him as the #3 CB by the end of the year. I like Robey, but this team is clearly trying to get bigger and stronger...which is fine by me.

 

(Didn't they try Ron Brooks at free safety last year or the year before?)

[3rdand12]

To be fair...there is a reason they drafted Cockrell, in what, the 4th round? He is a big CB and I wouldn't be surprised to see him as the #3 CB by the end of the year. I like Robey, but this team is clearly trying to get bigger and stronger...which is fine by me.

 

(Didn't they try Ron Brooks at free safety last year or the year before?)

Lets not think as Robey as a starter. Maybe we could consider him an elite situational player. And Jim S better make good use of him . seriously. talented kid. and dont tell him he cant. He has already proven the majority of them/us wrong i bet !!

[Max997]

Its OTAs

 

Everyone likes Robey but the fact is he is still a liability due to his size and shouldn't be anything more then a 4th or 5th corner especially since they prob won't be blitzing their corners as much which is one of his best qualities.

[Big Turk]

Its OTAs

 

Everyone likes Robey but the fact is he is still a liability due to his size and shouldn't be anything more then a 4th or 5th corner especially since they prob won't be blitzing their corners as much which is one of his best qualities.

 

Apparently the fact he completely took the slot receiver out of the game has no bearing on anything? Much better to have a 6'1" guy who gets smoked every other play right?

[Matt in KC]

Its OTAs

 

Everyone likes Robey but the fact is he is still a liability due to his size and shouldn't be anything more then a 4th or 5th corner especially since they prob won't be blitzing their corners as much which is one of his best qualities.

I don't get this thinking. Robey was the best slot corner we've had in years. I think he played better than McKelvin most games last year. If he can keep playing at or above the level he ended last year, I absolutely want him on the field. Edited May 31, 2014 by Matt in KC

[Hazed and Amuzed]

Nickell "The Flea" Roby is an absolute beast. His instincts are pretty remarkable.

[purple haze]

The Bills disagree with you, otherwise he wouldn't be playing NFL football and certainly wouldn't be getting looks ahead of Robey in Nickel and Dime packages in the 9 on 9 drills. At the end of the day, Robey was better coached in college (Marrone said this himself), and Brooks has dealt with injuries in both of his first two seasons. When all is said and done, Brooks has the speed (4.35), agility (7.16 cone) and size to be a #2 CB in the NFL. Robey will never be anything more than a situational defender. There is no upside beyond what we've seen from him.

 

I don't think that's true. Brooks has been injured a lot. They are looking at what he can do for them. Brown and Dixon were reported to have gotten most of the RB reps in the first couple days of OTA's. You think either one of them are playing ahead of CJ and Fred if healthy? Robey won't go anywhere. He's a playmaker. They won't be able to keep him off the field. Unless Brooks starts making plays consistently too. So far we haven't seen evidence of that. Robey is doing now what he did at SC. Just today he had a pick in OTA's. Same as he was doing last year in OTA's and training camp. There is always a place on the field for a player who takes the ball away.

 

Apparently the fact he completely took the slot receiver out of the game has no bearing on anything? Much better to have a 6'1" guy who gets smoked every other play right?

 

Yep. And we need a 6'5 receiver even if he can't play. Forget Steve Smith or Torrey Smith or Watkins. We need 6'5 Calvin Johnson dudes who can't play anywhere close to Calvin Johnson's level. But he'll be tall though.

Edited May 31, 2014 by purple haze