any word on ninky?? - Page 4 - New England Patriots Forums

condon84 · 12-31-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver,Blue&Red

Ninko will be missed if he's done. Lets cross our fingers. He's a play maker

I think he's one of our more underrated players. When we've needed a play on defense, Ninko has come up huge with some of them. I hope he's okay.

zipster9 · 12-31-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by condon84

I think he's one of our more underrated players. When we've needed a play on defense, Ninko has come up huge with some of them. I hope he's okay.

Actually, Ninko is really a DE, even in college.

He was "put" in the D as a OLB, which he was below-average skills.

Once he went back to his natural position, he is like MikeWright...

We really need a good OLB that can keep up with slot-receivers. Spikes is a run stuffer, Hightower is average.

Hopefully, we can get a stud OLB in the 2013 draft. Not to mention a OG/OT/C and a CB.

TrevorScott looks like a good replacement should Ninko go IR...

Hopefully, Talib and Dennard comes back. They are by no means shutdown CBs, but, this is their 1st yr with Pats and they seem to be getting better...

patfanken · 12-31-2012, 11:23 AM

I'm glad everyone is ready to dismiss Ninko, because the Pats feasted on a back up RT on a generally bad OL. Rob Ninkovitch has had as good a year this season, as all but one in Mike Vrabel's storied career. He is more than just a pass rusher, which he does very well, but his 5 forced fumbles, the myriad fumble recoveries, setting the edge, his versatility, WILL NOT be easily replaced.

This is a BIG loss. I can only hope he can return, but it certainly doesn't look good. If he is IR'ed, the team will move on and persevere like it always does. But that doesn't mean we should be cavalier about his loss or his contribution. In my mind only Wilfolk and McCourty are more important individuals than Ninko

SeymourTrophies · 12-31-2012, 11:45 AM

Ninkovich is a gamer. He fits well in this defense as a jack of all trades. However, Nink is not anything close to spectacular athletically, so I get what people are saying when they try to console themselves. Scott, Cunningham, and Francis are all equal to or greater than Nink as athletic presences, but you can't underrate Nink's clutch play and football savvy.

aluminum seats · 12-31-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

Guess you've never seen a severe charley horse...

I dunno, guess not. I'd love it if all he had was a charley horse.

Doubt it, though.

aluminum seats · 12-31-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patfanken

I'm glad everyone is ready to dismiss Ninko, because the Pats feasted on a back up RT on a generally bad OL. Rob Ninkovitch has had as good a year this season, as all but one in Mike Vrabel's storied career. He is more than just a pass rusher, which he does very well, but his 5 forced fumbles, the myriad fumble recoveries, setting the edge, his versatility, WILL NOT be easily replaced.

This is a BIG loss. I can only hope he can return, but it certainly doesn't look good. If he is IR'ed, the team will move on and persevere like it always does. But that doesn't mean we should be cavalier about his loss or his contribution. In my mind only Wilfolk and McCourty are more important individuals than Ninko

Agreed. I'm a little surprised by the minimizing going on here. Played 85% of the defensive snaps, Barnwell's pro bowl choice (not that he's a genius or anything, but seems fairly astute). Sucks very much he's (likely) done.

SacPete1 · 12-31-2012, 12:09 PM

its a huge loss if he can't play. there is decent depth at that position but he makes plays which are now more than ever the difference between winning and losing. His verstality could have a trickle effect if one of the other 3 LB's get dinged up (Spikes).
Outside of Wilfork, Mayo and McCourty, he is the most valuable contributor on Defense.