Rob Ninkovich aims to be a 'difference maker'

Good stuff from Jeff Howe:

The Blitz with Jeff Howe & Karen Guregian | Boston Herald

He has what it takes, he is always around the ball and makes those great plays at the best times. He reminds me of one of those defenders that were around during the Superbowl years.

Ninko is no way your basic athletic stud position starter. But he has a nose for plays and surrounded by what I see as an improving cast of young players, I think he'll make some big plays this year.

PatsWickedPissah said:

Ninko is no way your basic athletic stud position starter. But he has a nose for plays and surrounded by what I see as an improving cast of young players, I think he'll make some big plays this year.

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Vrabel wasn't an athletic stud either, but was someone who was consistent, rushed the passer and made plays when it counted the most. Kind of like Rob Ninkovich. We all no he is no Von Miller or Clay Matthews, but that's the beautiful thing. He doesn't need to be, he does a great job of playing himself.

NEPettyOfficer72 said:

Vrabel wasn't an athletic stud either, but was someone who was consistent, rushed the passer and made plays when it counted the most. Kind of like Rob Ninkovich. We all no he is no Von Miller or Clay Matthews, but that's the beautiful thing. He doesn't need to be, he does a great job of playing himself.

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You make me feel really inadequate as a Pats homer

PatsWickedPissah said:

Ninko is no way your basic athletic stud position starter. But he has a nose for plays and surrounded by what I see as an improving cast of young players, I think he'll make some big plays this year.

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i do as well...comes up big at the right times

Most overrated player on the team.

Marqui said:

Most overrated player on the team.

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No, he is the most underrated, THE MOST underrated. Doesn't get the appreciation or love he deserves, but like I said everytime there is a big play made late in the year, on the defensive side of the ball, it is usually him.


Rob Ninkovich 6'3, 260

2010 - 4.0 sacks, 3 FRs, 2 INTs,
2011 - 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, 3 FRs, 2 INTs, 1 TD
2012 - 8.0 sacks, 5 FF, 4 FRs, 1 INT

Mike Vrabel 6'4, 262

2003 - 9.5 sacks, 4 FF, 1 FR, 2 INT
2004 - 5.5 sacks
2005 - 4.5 sacks, 1 FF, 2 INTS

The statistics of their primes (Rob Ninkovich reaching the peak of his prime)

Comparisons are Kind of close, and his stats climb each season.

Marqui said:

Most overrated player on the team.

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OMG! Go back to your Fantasy football league. We're talking about real football here.

Ninko is probably one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL. Not just the Pats.

Taxed in Maine said:

OMG! Go back to your Fantasy football league. We're talking about real football here.

Ninko is probably one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL. Not just the Pats.

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Yes he is! Thank you Taxed in Maine! About time somebody else said that.

Taxed in Maine said:

OMG! Go back to your Fantasy football league. We're talking about real football here.

Ninko is probably one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL. Not just the Pats.

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The team's pass rush has sucked ever since he's been starting. That's because he's a weak pass rusher. And he's even weaker against the run.

If there was an expansion draft Ninko is probably my #3 or 4 defensive player I would choose off the Pats roster.

The biggest problem with the Pats defense for many years has been the the complete lack of talent at the DT position besides Wilfork. Ninko has played great assignment football despite it.