In his media session this week ahead of the Buffalo Bills’ final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, slot cornerback Taron Johnson was asked about the evolution of his position as a nickel cornerback. Recognized now as one of the best nickel defenders in professional football, Johnson’s enthusiasm was evident — about the way the league has changed over his six seasons in the NFL.
“It’s changed a lot,” Johnson said, adding that Buffalo has been playing nickel defense in heavy sets his entire tenure, but now other teams are following suit. “I see it on tape that other teams are trying to do the same thing.