crowell33

When Bill Belichick increased the playing time of Rob Ninkovich last season over Adalius Thomas some on this board were unhappy with the decision. When the season concluded, Pro Football Focus reported that besides TBC, Rob Ninkovich was the only other player on the entire Patriots defense with a "plus/green" rating against both the run and the pass. Two weeks ago SMY of the Boston Globe reported that, in her opinion, Rob Ninkovich was the opening day starter at OLB. This morning Mike Reiss brings us this article:

New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

After recently watching film of Ninkovich, Reiss was impressed with what he saw.

Yet there remains a strong disconnect on this board with regards to Ninkovich's value to the Patriots. Many posters have speculated that Ninkovich is on the bubble for the 53 man roster. We may be underestimating Rob Ninkovich.

HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

He's got a long ways to go. He's Pierre Woods 2.0.

PatsChamp88

New and improved?

patriotscpfc

He's Pierre Woods except Ninko is capable of rushing the passer.

The PFW guys have been on Ninko since December. He's definitely in the mix to get increased playing time.

__________________
Paul, London - Patriot and Proud

lillestroom

Seen zero to see he'll offer absolutely anything to the Pats as an organisation.

patsfan-1982

23 tackles and 1 sack in he's 4 year Career says he is not a starter. he is good dept noting more

crowell33

Yes I agree, Bill Belichick, ESPNBoston, The Globe , and Pro Football Focus are all wet on this one. We messageboard posters will prove them wrong once again !

HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Shouldn't be that difficult given the personnel BB has put on the field defensively.

RodThePat

I, for one, am dying to hear a detailed analysis as to why Ninkovich is Pierre Woods 2.0. Those who have argued that he can contribute in a meaningful way at least presented some basis to their thought. Coming here, saying "he's Pierre Woods 2.0", and then proceeding to imply your opinion carries the same weight as Belichick's because of the personnel he has put on the field defensively is just dumb contrarianism.

363839

Great thread, Crowell33. Ninkovich was born in New Lenox, Il which is where my shop is and he grew up in Joliet, IL which is where I live so he's been my binky since signing with the Pats.
It's cool to see him get some recognition and appreciation from some of the fans on this forum.