Ninkovich is a nice little player.
We don't point out how he got blown up or was way out of place.
I also don't think a lot of teams gameplan around him, like you have to do with some of the elite rushers. You don't adjust your offense to a three-step drop, or keep multiple blockers in to deal with him.
The question on Cunningham, Ninkovich, and TBC:
There are some different roles for OLB's. Cunningham really is the more classic edge-setter, SOLB.
It was terrific when the Patriots had McGinest and Vrabel, two guys who could do everything.
Goodness, remember 2003 & 2004 when the roster included Colvin, Vrabel, McGinest, and TBC? (And Bruschi, Phifer, and Johnson inside.)
The Patriots really need a complement to Cunningham (like Ted Johnson complemented Roman Phifer). Versatility is great, and the defense really depends upon two OLB's who can set the edge, cover, and rush. They lack strong coverage and rushing, so could use someone more explosive than Cunningham. That's not Ninkovich. Ninkovich is the guy who can sub for any spot.
That's sort of what I see Roth as as well. The guy who can do a bit of everything. They could use someone who complements those guys. That's why I would be more excited by Manny Lawson or Charles Johnson, given the presence of Cunningham and Ninkovich.