New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich has recorded eight sacks in each of the past two seasons, but the numbers don’t reflect the fact that Ninko is a much better run defender than a pass rusher. While he’s capable of big plays and can quickly get to the quarterback with his excellent functional strength, Ninkovich’s strength and instincts make him better at setting the edge in run defense. Sacks are always nice and earn defensive ends the most recognition league-wide, but Ninkovich knows the focus is on the running game, especially this week against Jamaal Charles, Knile Davis, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Ninkovich called the Chiefs offense “explosive” and identified their running game as his main concern, via the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels, “They’re very explosive. Sacks, you can’t really get into that stuff. It really doesn’t matter until you stop the run. I think they’re a great football team as far as being explosive and being able to run the ball. It’s my job to set the edge and stop the run.”
As of right now, Ninkovich has 14 tackles and one sack on the season, though he stated that he doesn’t even want to look at his stats. Charles practiced today and is expected to make his return, but No. 2 running back Davis is also a threat on the ground with his ability to force missed tackles. The Patriots and Chiefs will square off on Monday Night Football, and it will be interesting to see if the Patriots traditionally strong run defense can win the battle against a Chiefs OL that is improving but still vulnerable.