Congtrats to Ninkovich!

[Reckedtrek]

He doesn't play with enough lead in his ass. If the Patriots were playing an attacking style like the Steelers, he'd make more sense on the outside. In the Patriots version of the 3-4, putting Guyton on the outside is essentially giving the opponent first downs on the ground anytime they can get outside the DE.

Assuming the Pats version of the 3-4 goes unchanged from previous years. Sources (like Mike Reiss) say they're doing things a bit differently. We'll see what that means soon enough.

 

[tombonneau]

It's funny how influenced we are by the expectations we associate with a player's past. People see Ninkovich as a cast-off FA signing so don't expect anything of him; however, had the Patriots drafted him in a fourth or fifth round a few years ago and he had the same career arc, people would now probably be thinking that this year his time had finally come. (Conversely, Maroney & Watson are NFL starters but are considered bums by many because they were drafted in the first round.)

I'm far, far from a pro scout, but when I saw RN play OLB last year, he looked like he belonged on the field to me.

He was my surprise Week 1 starter even before the Crable cut, and I don't think that's a terrible thing.

 

[363839]

His first year on the team doesn't really make any difference. If Ninkovich had it, he would have supplanted AD in the starting line-up.

I think this is unfair. AD just played well enough to keep Nink from starting.
AD should have been ALOT better than Ninkovich considering his salary but he was only good enough to beat out a 2nd or 3rd year guy who was a fifth round pick. He actually did get a lot more reps toward the end of the season even, IIR, before AD was benched.

 

[IcyPatriot]

He now seems likely to get a roster spot. Since coming in last year, he has outlasted Thomas and now Crable.

Premature at best ... doesn't mean a thing as a veteran cut fromn another team amy already be on the radar ... waiting for him to get cut that is.

 

[spacecrime]

It's funny how influenced we are by the expectations we associate with a player's past. People see Ninkovich as a cast-off FA signing so don't expect anything of him; however, had the Patriots drafted him in a fourth or fifth round a few years ago and he had the same career arc, people would now probably be thinking that this year his time had finally come. (Conversely, Maroney & Watson are NFL starters but are considered bums by many because they were drafted in the first round.)

Yeah, it's funny how people's evaluations are so controlled by draft position. There are a lot of folks calling for BJGE to make the team and for Maroney to be cut.

Thing is, it shouldn't matter where they were or weren't drafted but if Maroney was an UDFA and BJGE was a first round pick, they would be yelling in the other direction.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Ugh. This and the Willhite thread. I cannot wait until tomorrow night when we will have something real to talk about.

I guess that I should not complain; if could be salary talk...

 

[patsinthesnow]

Wait, what's our OLB depth chart now?

 

[mgteich]

Of course, Belichick could bring in someone that will beat out Ninkovich. But then, that is true for the bottom several positions on the roster, probably ten. So, all congratulations include "if Belichick doesn't bring in someone else to take your spot". Isn't it ture that almost anyone at the bottom of the depth chart at a position might be beaten out by a free agent or a player that Belichick trades for?

Premature at best ... doesn't mean a thing as a veteran cut fromn another team amy already be on the radar ... waiting for him to get cut that is.

 

[Frezo]

Ugh. This and the Willhite thread. I cannot wait until tomorrow night when we will have something real to talk about.

I guess that I should not complain; if could be salary talk...

What's not to like? We got the Bratva on defense, the PKWN on offense & special teams, and the head of the VSOA in charge of the whole thing. Who we don't beat we kill. Piece o' cake!

 

[IcyPatriot]

Wait, what's our OLB depth chart now?

there's going to be lots of my 53's this camp.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Of course, Belichick could bring in someone that will beat out Ninkovich. But then, that is true for the bottom several positions on the roster, probably ten. So, all congratulations include "if Belichick doesn't bring in someone else to take your spot". Isn't it ture that almost anyone at the bottom of the depth chart at a position might be beaten out by a free agent or a player that Belichick trades for?

yeah it's true but some of you give congratulations and make my 53's everyday.

Team changes so much I just wait to see who is playing at game time. :confused3: