Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

Ninkovich mentioned as third honorable mention ( #13 overall ) out of 64 Outside LB starters in the NFL.

NFL.com news: Willis, Harrison highlight list of NFL's best linebackers

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

Does Pat Kirwan read Pro Football Focus ? Notice that in the notes at the bottom, PFF says with 28 more snaps Ninkovich would have qualified and been ranked # 11 overall edge rusher in the NFL. ( Kirwan of NFL.com says #13 )

Three Years of Pass Rushing Productivity: Edge Rushers | ProFootballFocus.com

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

#1 Pat Kirwan maybe the worst Analyst in TV History #2 he only had 3-4 OLB's on that list there is maybe 10 teams running a 3-4 in the NFL so he ranks 13 out of 20 thats realy not that high when you think about it lol

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

Ninkovich doesn't get the credit he deserves in my book - but I also expect that Belichick would love to find someone better than him.

So I don't get too high or too low on rankings - he's in the middle of the pack in the rankings and if the season started tomorrow he'd be adequate.

Reche Caldwell was also pushed into a starting role given the nature of the roster that year - statswise many felt he was more than adequate, leading the team in receptions that year.

One year later not only couldn't he make the Patriots roster, he couldn't really make ANY roster in the league.

I'm not saying that's the case with Ninkovich - though for guys who "get" Belichick's system, they often do better here than elsewhere. I'm just saying that if Belichick can improve at OLB, he will - and likely Ninkovich will continue to provide quality downs for the team.

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

I kind of find it hard to believe Ninko is a top OLB. He only had 4 sacks and he isn't exactly being triple teamed. Don't get me wrong I like Ninko he's a solid player.

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

According to PFF, he only rushed 172 times, which is less than 1/3 as many times as guys like Tamba Hali, Clay Matthews, and Dwight Freeney. Ninko had 29.6% as many sacks as Matthews in 30.8% as many pass rushing snaps. That's a pretty negligible difference.

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

That's a great point Sciz. Well said.

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

Yes, I agree. No matter what happens, Ninkovich is a nice part of the team puzzle on defense. He plays with all his heart and works hard. He thinks and reacts pretty well, and doesn't tend to keep repeating mistakes. That, and he keeps his mouth shut, and does his job. I don't know if he'll be starting or not, but either way, this team has good use for guys like Rob Ninkovich.

I look forward to seeing him continue to develop.

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

People can say what they want about NINK's pass rushing but the previously mentioned stats are interesting to see and i won't forget that basically he and chung singlehandedly won that first dolphins game with his 2 int's and a sack, specially when it was close in the 1st half.

Re: Ninkovich one of leagues Top OLB
 

A very important game, no doubt. IMO, it was when the 'team' concept really took shape last yr, which also led to the decision to part w/ Moss. That game in Miami COULD have been one of those games that we would've talked about a long way down the road, had they not lost that way in the playoffs. Either way, it will still the catalyst to a very successful season, in my opinion.