Ninkovich: An emerging Bruschi II

[groundgame]

Not as talented as #54, but look at the similarities: A gumby-like player who has a nose for where the ball is going. And making big plays in big moments: 2 wks. ago, with Miami, up 7-3, and driving for another TD just before halftime, but it is Ninkovich who makes a clutch interception to turn the season around. Remind you of anyone?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Not as talented as #54, but look at the similarities: A gumby-like player who has a nose for where the ball is going. And making big plays in big moments: 2 wks. ago, with Miami, up 7-3, and driving for another TD just before halftime, but it is Ninkovich who makes a clutch interception to turn the season around. Remind you of anyone?

Mike Vrabel? :confused2:

 

[WhiteWesWelker88]

Bruschi II



Bruschi II is that stud young LB from BC......... not the Herzlec (sp)...... but the ACC ROY for defense. (last yr's ROY) LB

 

[JackBauer]

Impossible. Ninkovich is the worst starter in the league.

 

[lillestroom]

Impossible. Ninkovich is the worst starter in the league.

Monty Beisel doesnt agree.

Neither does the Cro'

 

[The Dynasty]

Impossible. Ninkovich is the worst starter in the league.

I keep saying this to myself every week, but every week he continues to make plays. While I the comparisons to Bruschi arent really accurate, I wouldnt call him the worst starter in the league. There havent been any games this year where his play has been an issue.

 

[Trocadile]

Actually, Dane Fletcher seems closer to Bruschi, both in terms of his physique and athleticism, and his progression from college pass-rushing DE to Patriots ILB.

 

[FloridaPatsFan]

I'd be willing to bet that Ninkovich is a very bright individual who has a high football IQ...the kind of player that Belichick can work with. Someone who picks up the complicated game plans that Belichick is famous for putting together. I think of a young Mike Vrabel when I watch him...and not just becuase he wears the same number...

 

[Kontradiction]

We can certainly stand to upgrade the OLB spot that he currently occupies, but he definitely hasn't been the worst starter in the league this season. He's playing quite decently at the moment.

 

[VI PATS]

Blasphemy !

 

[JackBauer]

We can certainly stand to upgrade the OLB spot that he currently occupies, but he definitely hasn't been the worst starter in the league this season. He's playing quite decently at the moment.

Belichick must see something in him, as he's giving him every opportunity to get out there and get playing time. I have to say, he's looked a lot better each game. At this point, I'm starting to wonder if there's something there. At worst, instead of being a guy who we have to get off the field, he appears to have grown into a valuable rotation guy.

 

[reflexblue]

Ecept for the jest game i've thought he has played pretty well. I wouldn't say hes a young Vrable or Brushi but hes doing better every game.

 

[slam]

I'd settle for him being the next Roman Phifer.

 

[Mack Herron]

The nice thing is that the he is getting his first real opportunity in the NFL at OLB and he continues to improve. It is not fair to compare him to Vrabel (remind me why he was a throw-away in NE?) or Bruschi. Yet. Cunningham has an even higher up-side.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

That is a huge stretch. The only reason Niko is playing is because BB has nobody better. Rest assured that OLB will be a huge target in the offseason and goodbye Niko. He muffs a ton of plays (lack of speed?) in spite of his remarkable hands.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

Ecept for the jest game i've thought he has played pretty well. I wouldn't say hes a young Vrable or Brushi but hes doing better every game.

He was Vrabel-like at Purdue lining up as a TE on goal line offense and even catching a TD pass from Kyle Orton........

 

[PATSNUTme]

Right now he is Ninkovich I,let's just leave at that for a couple of years.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

We need to see these newbies for what they are and stop our focus on our past heroes. BB thought it was time to clear the decks and move on, why shouldn't we?

 

[363839]

That is a huge stretch. The only reason Niko is playing is because BB has nobody better. Rest assured that OLB will be a huge target in the offseason and goodbye Niko. He muffs a ton of plays (lack of speed?) in spite of his remarkable hands.

I don't know about that. If the guy continues to improve, he can take the priority off the need at OLB and a t real good value so BB can go to other needs such as Monster DE or maybe a monster tackle/nose or running back, maybe even another offensive tackle or guard. We still might be looking at another corner or safety.
Ok, maybe I'm reaching on the last couple there but you get my drift.

 

[Kontradiction]

Right now he is Ninkovich I,let's just leave at that for a couple of years.

Indeed. We really need to stop comparing these guys to the dynasty defenses. It's not fair, IMO. Let them carve out their own identity.