Ninko would listen to Pats about coming back.

[Triumph]

Just a few hours ago on Sirius NFL radio channel 88. Jim Miller interview. Ninko says they have to call him.

SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) | Twitter

 

[Geezer Butler]

I'm really not sure they will. I love Nink but he really lost a step.

 

[Triumph]

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Intriguing. Love Ninko. Never called him Stinkovich.
I have NO IDEA how slow he allegedly is now. IF and I mean IF he's Bruschi slow just before he retired, then no.
It was sad to watch once great, clutch Bru try to cover a JAG and trail by over 5 yards. Can't play like that.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

From Mike Reiss re Ninko:

I didn't come away from the opener thinking they would make a call to Ninkovich because the focus of the defensive plan was the dime package and the edge rush was productive at times. Overall, I didn't feel like edge issues were that prevalent. So while Ninkovich said on CSNNE he isn't closing the door on a possible return, my sense is that isn't necessarily on the team's radar at this time. Perhaps circumstances will change in the coming weeks.​

Mike knows far more about football than me, but I have to wonder if Ninko's ability to set the edge and provide limited minutes, helps lighten Hightower's load.

Also, Reiss commented on the status of Aikeem Ayers as a FA candidate:

The Patriots had Akeem Ayers in for a workout on Wednesday, and he's making the rounds. In addition to the Patriots, Ayers has worked out for the Giants and Saints this week. He played good football for the Patriots in 2014, and I think he could help them if he still shows some of his form from '14.

What makes Ayers' workout stand out is that the position he played for the team in 2014 -- nickel pass-rusher on the edge, and off-the-line linebacker in the base defense -- is still a developing picture in terms of personnel and how it will play out. With linebacker Shea McClellin opening the year on injured reserve (he's eligible to return later this season), a player like Ayers -- assuming he were able to turn back the clock to his 2014 form -- could help fill that void on a unit that plays sub packages about 80 percent of the time.
​

 

[Kontradiction]

If they still have as much trouble setting the edge in Week 2 as they did in Week 1, I would bring him back in a New York minute. He may not be what he was, athletically, anymore, but he was more capable of that job in 2016 than anyone was in Week 1.

 

[AvocadoIceCream]

Not sure how adding a slow and old pash rusher who can't rush the passer anymore helps anything.

 

[Simpelton]

No. Thanks for your years of service but no.

 

[Geezer Butler]

From Mike Reiss re Ninko:

I didn't come away from the opener thinking they would make a call to Ninkovich because the focus of the defensive plan was the dime package and the edge rush was productive at times. Overall, I didn't feel like edge issues were that prevalent. So while Ninkovich said on CSNNE he isn't closing the door on a possible return, my sense is that isn't necessarily on the team's radar at this time. Perhaps circumstances will change in the coming weeks.​

Mike knows far more about football than me, but I have to wonder if Ninko's ability to set the edge and provide limited minutes, helps lighten Hightower's load.

Also, Reiss commented on the status of Aikeem Ayers as a FA candidate:

The Patriots had Akeem Ayers in for a workout on Wednesday, and he's making the rounds. In addition to the Patriots, Ayers has worked out for the Giants and Saints this week. He played good football for the Patriots in 2014, and I think he could help them if he still shows some of his form from '14.

What makes Ayers' workout stand out is that the position he played for the team in 2014 -- nickel pass-rusher on the edge, and off-the-line linebacker in the base defense -- is still a developing picture in terms of personnel and how it will play out. With linebacker Shea McClellin opening the year on injured reserve (he's eligible to return later this season), a player like Ayers -- assuming he were able to turn back the clock to his 2014 form -- could help fill that void on a unit that plays sub packages about 80 percent of the time.
​

count me in on this, with Ayers. Fine with that

 

[Jackson 2]

I'll take him back in a second based upon what I saw Thursday night.

 

[BabeParilli]

These guys are making so much money these days a lot of them are walking before the injuries mess them up too much. Years ago many of them sort of had to keep playing if they could.

Maybe Nink should stay home even if they do call.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'll take him back in a second based upon what I saw Thursday night.

Stop.

Nink would have been roasted by Hunt and Hill in coverage.

 

[Jackson 2]

Stop.

Nink would have been roasted by Hunt and Hill in coverage.

LOL, I wasn't referring to pass coverage. In his best days,that wasn't Ninko's game.

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

I got to see his entire career in New England and I respect the guy, but I think he's done. I mean, he "migt" be able to help us a little in 2017, but that's a might.

 

[RobertWeathers]

LOL, I wasn't referring to pass coverage. In his best days,that wasn't Ninko's game.

Setting the edge with that KC speed at RB to the outside? Niet.

Point is Nink would not have made a rat's fart worth of difference.

 

[supafly]

Setting the edge with that KC speed at RB to the outside? Niet.

Point is Nink would not have made a rat's fart worth of difference.

I doubt they'd call even with another injury. Just my opinion.

 

[Pats1989]

Letting Nink return would be BB admitting he misjudged these cast of players. Can't see the prideful BB admitting he was wrong.

Get the doors blown off in NO ( Great possibility)? Then Revis, Wilfork, among others should be brought in.

 

[Bruins29]

Letting Nink return would be BB admitting he misjudged these cast of players. Can't see the prideful BB admitting he was wrong.

Get the doors blown off in NO ( Great possibility)? Then Revis, Wilfork, among others should be brought in.

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

Letting Nink return would be BB admitting he misjudged these cast of players. Can't see the prideful BB admitting he was wrong.

Get the doors blown off in NO ( Great possibility)? Then Revis, Wilfork, among others should be brought in.

Wrong.

 

[Pessimistic Pete]

For the love of God, please bring him back.

Yes, he's clearly not Nink of old (he's just is old lol) but there is NO negative to this. Even if he's only 1% better than his backup.

At the very least you're adding a guy who won't **** up his assignments and adds a veteran multiple-time-championship presence to the defense.