pass rush gone?

[Ivan]

You can't sit here in April and say it wont be as good. No one knows. It could end up being just as good or better.


Also Hightower and Collins are factors in the pass rush.

Hightower, Collins, Ninkovich, Sheard, and Brown, and Long and Flowers will be expected to contribute.

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

Disagree completely, he's one of the most consistent and most productive players on the team.

Yeah and he's durable as hell. Ninko's been leading the NFL in defensive line snaps year after year. He'll still be a big part of the defensive line rotation no doubt, but I wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting pulled more on 3rd downs and passing situations.

First, he looked to have less burst off the line last season in the pass rush, at least to my eyes. Second, he just turned 32. And third, we won't have Chandler Jones on the line anymore which will impact the pass rush across the line.

 

[supafly]

Yeah and he's durable as hell. Ninko's been leading the NFL in defensive line snaps year after year. He'll still be a big part of the defensive line rotation no doubt, but I wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting pulled more on 3rd downs and passing situations.

First, he looked to have less burst off the line last season in the pass rush, at least to my eyes. Second, he just turned 32. And third, we won't have Chandler Jones on the line anymore which will impact the pass rush across the line.

I think you hit this one on the head.

Ninkovich has certainly lost a step in pass rushing situations, which is understandable, but he does so many other things well, is versatile in the fact that he can line up in multiple spots, and knows exactly what Belichick wants and needs from his role.

 

[Ivan]

Yeah and he's durable as hell. Ninko's been leading the NFL in defensive line snaps year after year. He'll still be a big part of the defensive line rotation no doubt, but I wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting pulled more on 3rd downs and passing situations.

First, he looked to have less burst off the line last season in the pass rush, at least to my eyes. Second, he just turned 32. And third, we won't have Chandler Jones on the line anymore which will impact the pass rush across the line.

I think that's a natural progression and expect that is the course his playing time will take but he's still a really good player and I take issue with those who claim he isn't.