Key 2011 Players that the Patriots let walk

[PATSYLICIOUS]

It is too early to declare victory but I'm pretty sure they will prove to be correct moves. The only one they might end up regretting at all is Anderson if he comes back and racks up sacks while Ninko has inconsistent production. Even if BJGE turns it around and has a very good season, really hard to imagine him outproducing the guys we have. And Carter I'm pretty sure is done or would've easily been back here.

 

[patchick]

The only one they might end up regretting at all is Anderson if he comes back and racks up sacks while Ninko has inconsistent production.

IMO Ninkovich vs. Anderson is no contest, unless your definition of "production" is only sacks. Here are their numbers from last year:

Ninkovich: 74 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 4 passes defended, 2 interceptions
Anderson: 29 tackles, 10 sacks, 1 pass defended, 0 interceptions

This is not an anomaly; Anderson's numbers all approached his career highs. In his career, Anderson has played 38 more games than Ninkovich, and Ninko leads him in virtually every statistical total except sacks. He's an excellent situational rusher, but a liability as an every-down player.