NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson said it meant a lot to him when coach Sean Payton called him into his office two weeks ago and made a point to keep encouraging Robinson even though he was being demoted.
"That made me feel a lot better about myself, to be honest with you," Robinson said Sunday, repeating those two words with extra emphasis when he asked about the way Payton had a list made up of other NFL cornerbacks who had come back strong from being benched.
Sure enough, when the Saints needed Robinson again on Sunday in the wake of safety Jairus Byrd's season-ending knee injury, Robinson rose to the challenge.
Robinson snagged the Saints' first interception of the season during the first half of their 37-31 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had at least one impressive pass break-up while serving as New Orleans' nickel back.
The performance wasn't perfect for anyone in the Saints' secondary -- and Robinson appeared to get lucky early in the game when quarterback Mike Glennon didn't notice a receiver running open behind Robinson after an apparent missed assignment.
But as Robinson said with cautious optimism, it was "a step forward."
"The last couple weeks, I've been playing too cautious. And I think that really hurt me, instead of just going out there and playing and believing in myself and my talent," said Robinson, a former first-round draft pick whose career has been filled with highs and lows. "You know, like everybody tells me, 'Oh, I'm talented, I'm talented.' But I have to believe in myself, too."
One of Robinson's most endearing qualities has always been his blunt honesty about himself.
But that wavering confidence is easily his most frustrating quality, as well.
It's been an issue that Robinson and teammates and coaches have always talked about. The speed, the athleticism, the playmaking instincts when a ball is in range are there. But the confidence -- and the aggressive, full-speed play that comes with it -- has come and gone.
"I think I think too much. I think I've been playing not to give up the big play," Robinson said. "And I think that really hurt me as a player, instead of just playing football, use my instincts and my talent. ...
"I practiced well, but it's hard for me to translate it to the game. And I finally did it today."
Payton agreed, saying he's been very pleased with Robinson's attitude and energy in practice "despite some adversity" and the way Robinson has continued to approach his weekly role -- even when it was just special teams.
"It's a tough game, and he has handled that well," Payton said. "I was really excited to see him make that play, and that was a big play for us."
Robinson switched roles a bit on Sunday, playing mostly inside in the slot. Typically in his career, because of his speed, he's always played on the outside even when rotating in as a third corner.
Fellow corner Corey White said those roles may switch from week to week. But he thinks the Saints' reliance on Robinson will continue.
"(The interception) was big for him, and he came up big for us," White said. "You like to see him make that play. He played very well, he's a great player, and it boosts his confidence a lot. And we're gonna need him all year."
