Rob Ninkovich: 91 tackles

[VrabelJr]

That's the most tackles in the NFL by a DE/OLB. The next closest is 80 tackles which is J.J. Watt and Terrell Suggs. Ninkovich has been such a steady and important cog to the defense. I don't think he'll ever get all the credit he deserves.

 

[DocHoliday]

He's a strange player. At the surface it's easy to dismiss him because he's pretty mediocre when it comes to the pass rush but when you look deeper you realize the guy is wearing many more hats than just "pass rusher"

 

[ZoisKing]

He's been so consistent for us. I underrate him constantly, and wonder how we would do with another Chandler Jones, but then Nink does something that just makes me second guess my thinking. It's a shame. I'm ashamed, but its true. He's a tremendous player.

 

[JMC00]

I don't think he'll ever get all the credit he deserves.

Bill did. When he gave him the 3 year extension.

 

[willard]

When I saw the thread title that 91 tackles really popped out. Nink was extremely consistent and along with Jones really held up that defense. He had another impressive year, but I was surprised to see 91 tackles. Then opening and seeing how substantially he led the NFL at his position-WOW.

 

[Mack Herron]

Early in his pro career his physical limitations stood out as he was cut by the Saints (twice) and Dolphins. Like Troy Brown, he improved each year to become one of the leaders and best players on the team.

 

[Brady6]

He's a strange player. At the surface it's easy to dismiss him because he's pretty mediocre when it comes to the pass rush but when you look deeper you realize the guy is wearing many more hats than just "pass rusher"

I also think the belief that he is mediocre as a pass rusher is a misconception, Ninkovich led the team with 86 total pressures and Chandler Jones was second with 80.

http://nesn.com/2013/12/donta-hight...iots-in-2013-coverage-pass-rush-statistics/2/

 

[Observer]

Ninkovich deserves recognition just for the quality of his beard alone. His performance on the field is simply gravy.

 

[buile]

it's easy to dismiss him because he's pretty mediocre when it comes to the pass rush

It's easy to dismiss an 18-wheeler because of it's mediocre acceleration.!. or are we just evaluating the ~role~ wrong? Nink assures the edge is set, and *contains* ... it's a job of discipline and smarts, and the guy simply performs great in that role... and to amass that number of tackles? Fantastic. On rare occasion he knows he doesn't have to worry abot the edge, and makes inside moves to pressure and sack the QB.

I've got a few contenders for buying a jersey, and Nink could be one of them... yeah, i do love underdogs, too... else how would i be a Pat's fan since the 70s?! And now they ~ain't~ underdogs....

what a great time we're living to be NE fans!

 

[Huckleberry1]

Ninkovich has been consistently good for the past couple of years. He ararely gets beat around the edge, gets good pressure on a consistent basis, and he gets big sacks and makes big plays. Can't ask for much more from a player than they have gotten from him.

 

[patfanken]

I think another overlooked stat concerning both Ninkovich and Jones is that both have played over 97% of the defensive stats. That is remarkable in a season where just about every other player on defense missed at least one game. Imagine the cost if either of THOSE guy were lost for a time. They have been the Rocks that this defense has built itself around. Thank God for our DE's

 

[varjao]

He's got an important role on that victory over the saints, the sack Chandler Jones did on the 3rd down was a tip by Ninko, he told Jones about that bootleg, Jones said in an interview

 

[Sticky Caulk]

It's easy to dismiss an 18-wheeler because of it's mediocre acceleration.!. or are we just evaluating the ~role~ wrong? Nink assures the edge is set, and *contains* ... it's a job of discipline and smarts, and the guy simply performs great in that role... and to amass that number of tackles? Fantastic. On rare occasion he knows he doesn't have to worry abot the edge, and makes inside moves to pressure and sack the QB.

This is so often overlooked by people. All DE aren't alike. Some are pure rushers, but most of the DE in the league can't chase the QB around every snap. Ninkovich is good at pressuring the QB while staying completely disciplined in his area. You never see him allow players easily go around his edge.

 

[Hael]

Totally underrated player, and what I would call the definition of an average starting DE in the league. Doesn't kill you with physical talent, but makes all the right reads, and is fast enough to cause problems for tackles.

He sets the edge really well, is good on screen plays, is fast enough to track down a rb and can lull the offense into giving up a big sack once a game or so. He's also clutch and durable.

 

[ripatsfan91]

Totally underrated player, and what I would call the definition of an average starting DE in the league. Doesn't kill you with physical talent, but makes all the right reads, and is fast enough to cause problems for tackles.

He sets the edge really well, is good on screen plays, is fast enough to track down a rb and can lull the offense into giving up a big sack once a game or so. He's also clutch and durable.

Well above average, he can do everything. Jack of all trades player. But he is especially good at holding the edge and playing the run.

 

[supafly]

Ninkovich was the odds on favorite for an extension in my opinion. He's the typical "Patriots type player," due to being able to play different roles, schemes, and positions. He is versatile. He shows up, he does his job. He doesn't blow assignments and attempt to do his own thing. He has experience in the system, and they can do different things with him on the field. On top of that, he's talented at certain things.

When he gets hot, he can have a big game. We need that right now.

 

[Wiluven]

I've got a few contenders for buying a jersey, and Nink could be one of them... yeah, i do love underdogs, too... else how would i be a Pat's fan since the 70s?! And now they ~ain't~ underdogs....

I flew in for the Pats vs Steelers game and ordered a Elite Ninkovich jersey - had to be custom since they don't sell his jerseys except for the $100 dollar ones. Love his story and play style!

 

[SEA_Pat]

Don't forget "nose for the ball" and "tendency to make big plays in key situations" in your list of assets.

 

[AzorianPats]

Jack of all trades. Not great at one thing, but good at everything. Not to mention, he can play LB too.

 

[UK_Pat37]

He's a strange player. At the surface it's easy to dismiss him because he's pretty mediocre when it comes to the pass rush but when you look deeper you realize the guy is wearing many more hats than just "pass rusher"

I'll take a 'mediocre' 8.0 sacks from my LDE all day long.