Rob "The Invisible Man" Ninkovich - Worst Starter in the NFL?

[BradyFTW!]

I think you have a drinking or drug problem. While i never expected him to be a great player, seemed to fine today. I didn't seem him make any glaring mistakes, maybe you should switch to the Giants.

Ninkovich was far from fine. He sucks. Given that the defense is struggling, though, I kinda prefer it this way, because having one player that just notably sucks is a pretty easy fix: you find someone who sucks less, which shouldn't be hard to do. At this point, I'm just waiting to see how long it takes for Cunningham to take his job.

 

[mgteich]

The obvious responses are that
1) Cunningham and Crable are judged to be worse,
2) Is he worse than Thomas last year,
3) He is better than Woods, or we would have kept him, and finally
4) Ninkovich is one of 3 OLB's who share one roster spot; Ninko is OK in that role.
========================================

And just BTW, our real weakness is NOT at OLB. It is a weakness, but nowhere as as much as our secondary.

 

[reflexblue]

Ninkovich was far from fine. He sucks. Given that the defense is struggling, though, I kinda prefer it this way, because having one player that just notably sucks is a pretty easy fix: you find someone who sucks less, which shouldn't be hard to do. At this point, I'm just waiting to see how long it takes for Cunningham to take his job.

The op said he was invisible i disagree. But i do agree with you that its only a matter of weeks before cunningham takes his place.

 

[Patjew]

I thought he looked absolutely terrible out there, as did Butler.

 

[Joker]

Brady looked pretty good though...but then I'm a glass half full fan anyway:woohoo:

 

[reflexblue]

OK it must be me, while i thought he sucked last week i thought he played better today. I would rather have cunningham in that spot anyways.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

Regardless of starting or not, Ninkovich has no business being on a professional football field.

Well.... maybe he could carve out a role as an ILB, or maybe on special teams. But certainly not at OLB in a 34

Hes made some good plays this year, hes also made some bad ones, hes terribly inconsistent and thats a problem. He does have some talent as evidenced by some of his good plays. If he learns to keep his head in the game every play hes out there he could contribute.
To say hes the worst in the league is going a bit overboard. That said I didnt see the game today so he may have had a bad game.

 

[ausbacker]

Ninkovich was far from fine. He sucks. Given that the defense is struggling, though, I kinda prefer it this way, because having one player that just notably sucks is a pretty easy fix: you find someone who sucks less, which shouldn't be hard to do. At this point, I'm just waiting to see how long it takes for Cunningham to take his job.

Ninkovich and Butler are playing to a below average level of expectation.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I could be way off, but my impression is that Ninkovich is a clear placeholder for Cunningham. I think Crable is more or less lined up to become TBC's backup. I agree, though, that Cunningham can't displace Ninkovich fast enough.

You're probably right, the sooner Cunningham takes over for Stinkovich the better. I accept the fact that Stinkovich is just playing a role out there and not much is to be expected but after that pathetic whiff on LT he's in debt till he actually makes a play.

 

[Froob]

jason taylor is having a good season so far....

 

[sbpatfan]

Ninkovich and Butler are playing to a below average level of expectation.

Ninkovich has already exceeded my expectations, I didn't think he would play.

 

[ALP]

No, but I think we're set with Meriweather and Chung.

u really think so?

the safety play this season has been suspect....very suspect

these guys are supposed to be very good, but they just arnt they are lacking something

hopefully theyll get "it"

 

[mgteich]

Our safeties are lacking corners who play like average nfl corners.

u really think so?

the safety play this season has been suspect....very suspect

these guys are supposed to be very good, but they just arnt they are lacking something

hopefully theyll get "it"

 

[apple strudel]

I have an idea. Why don't we sign Adalius Thomas? He plays 6 positions!

 

[DaBruinz]

Can you name 1 starter that's worse than Ninkovich?



He also doesn't even pay attention to his coach.

There's only one problem with this claim. Everyone in that picture is paying attention to Belichick. Except the 2 guys way at the far end of the picture. Neither of which are Ninkovich.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Ninkovich has already exceeded my expectations, I didn't think he would play.

Hahaha pretty much; I was surprised that he made the roster at all.

 

[ausbacker]

Ninkovich has already exceeded my expectations, I didn't think he would play.

I like to give players the opportunity to prove their worth when they make a squad, not look completely out of their depth and whiff in both the running and passing game.

I'm prepared to wear the growing pains of throwing Cunningham in as the starter opposite TBC. That's the way forward.

 

[Kontradiction]

I don't think he's the worst starter in the NFL by any stretch. However, he is what he is - a back-up that's forced to play starting minutes due to how thin we are at OLB. He should never see the light of day as a starter, but that's not his fault. Going forward, though, I would like to see more of TBC and Cunningham in there. Cunningham has yet to get to the quarterback, but he's better at setting the edge than Ninkovich (from what I've seen) and uses sound technique against blockers. TBC has had some struggles early on, but he's the best option out there across from Cunningham and was our best pass rusher last season.

 

[JoeShmoe]

Think it's all been said but we have some major issues

1. Ninkovich has to be displaced for Cunningham ASAP or go out and find someone else

2. The second CB is a real issue. Butler has major technique issues, he looks lost out there and is routinely picked on. Its harsh but he shouldn't be in there. Arrington looked a little better and maybe he improves next week or Wheatley gets fit and starts

3. Dont know what has happened to Merriweather but the fact Sanders is starting is hurting us as he's lost a step and cant tackle.

On the positive side Brace looks like he's getting better

 

[patriotscpfc]

This from Mike Rodak's first quarter review.

4. A few players later, on a second-and-9, OLB Rob Ninkovich demonstrated solid run-defense technique on a similarly-designed play. Ninkovich met the FB McIntyre two yards upfield, and even though Warren by was blocked down by the TE, and Spikes again could not stay back and fill the right hole, Ninkovich was able to shed his blocker and wrap Lynch up.