Patriots: Rob Ninkovich
Breakdown: Ninkovich & help from friends
November, 14, 2011
11/14/11
2:05
PM ET
By
Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com
NBC ScreenshotsRob Ninkovich steps in front of LaDainian Tomlinson for a pick-6 late in Sunday's game.Fellow linebacker Rob Ninkovich earned the trip to the podium after Sunday's two-interception effort in a 37-16 thrashing of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, but White deserves recognition for aiding Ninkovich's late-game interception return for a touchdown with the sort of tight end jam the Patriots desperately could have used last week.
Let's put Ninkovich's two interceptions under the microscope:
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick surprised many by not using a high pick in this year's draft on a pass-rusher. Now he’s informed one of the team’s top rushers, nine-year veteran Tully Banta-Cain, that he will be released.
Although it might look that way on the surface, there is no truth to the rumor that the innovative Belichick is planning to experiment with a rushless defense in 2011.
Actually, Banta-Cain’s spot on the roster was never a certainty, mainly because of economics. His salary ($2.3 million) and cap charge ($4.3 million) didn’t fall in line with his on-field contributions in 2010. So Tuesday's news that Banta-Cain will be released when those moves can become official was far from a shocker; and surely Belichick has a plan on filling the void.
So where do the Patriots go from here at outside linebacker/rush defensive end?
They return top outside linebackers Rob Ninkovich and Jermaine Cunningham, while veteran Eric Moore -- who joined the team last December and flashed some pass-rush skills -- is a top candidate to elevate into Banta-Cain’s sub-rushing role. Career special teamer Marques Murrell and 2011 sixth-round pick Markell Carter round out the depth chart.
That is likely too thin for Belichick’s liking, and puts added pressure on Cunningham in his second year, which makes it logical to think the Patriots will explore the free-agent market for 3-4 outside linebackers or 4-3 rush ends.
Seven-year veteran Matt Roth projects as a possible fit, given his background in the 3-4 defense with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. Mathias Kiwanuka (New York Giants) and Manny Lawson (San Francisco 49ers) are other notable options, or perhaps Belichick revisits Jason Taylor (New York Jets) if Taylor would consider it.
None of the options overwhelm, and they would mostly fit in to a specific role and build depth.
As for Banta-Cain, he called his two stints (2003-2006; 2009-2010) with the Patriots “great times.” His best season came in 2009, when he had 10 sacks.
Although it might look that way on the surface, there is no truth to the rumor that the innovative Belichick is planning to experiment with a rushless defense in 2011.
Actually, Banta-Cain’s spot on the roster was never a certainty, mainly because of economics. His salary ($2.3 million) and cap charge ($4.3 million) didn’t fall in line with his on-field contributions in 2010. So Tuesday's news that Banta-Cain will be released when those moves can become official was far from a shocker; and surely Belichick has a plan on filling the void.
So where do the Patriots go from here at outside linebacker/rush defensive end?
They return top outside linebackers Rob Ninkovich and Jermaine Cunningham, while veteran Eric Moore -- who joined the team last December and flashed some pass-rush skills -- is a top candidate to elevate into Banta-Cain’s sub-rushing role. Career special teamer Marques Murrell and 2011 sixth-round pick Markell Carter round out the depth chart.
That is likely too thin for Belichick’s liking, and puts added pressure on Cunningham in his second year, which makes it logical to think the Patriots will explore the free-agent market for 3-4 outside linebackers or 4-3 rush ends.
Seven-year veteran Matt Roth projects as a possible fit, given his background in the 3-4 defense with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. Mathias Kiwanuka (New York Giants) and Manny Lawson (San Francisco 49ers) are other notable options, or perhaps Belichick revisits Jason Taylor (New York Jets) if Taylor would consider it.
None of the options overwhelm, and they would mostly fit in to a specific role and build depth.
As for Banta-Cain, he called his two stints (2003-2006; 2009-2010) with the Patriots “great times.” His best season came in 2009, when he had 10 sacks.
Following the release of Shawn Crable and with Derrick Burgess considering retirement, fifth-year veteran Rob Ninkovich is seizing the opportunity to see practice time with the top unit at outside linebacker.
Here are a few quick hits on Ninkovich:
1. 26 years old; a native of Blue Island, Illinois.
2. Attended Joliet Junior College, where he worked for his father as an ironworker before his sophomore season.
3. Played defensive end for Purdue University for two seasons, recording eight sacks and earning Second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors as a senior.
4. Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.
5. Began the 2009 season attempting to make the New Orleans Saints’ roster as a long snapper; was waived at the start of training camp and claimed by the Patriots.
6. Has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins.
7. Appeared in 15 games for the Patriots in 2009, mainly on special teams.
The Patriots’ first public training camp practice is Thursday, July 29, and with 82 players on the roster, there is plenty to analyze. ESPNBoston.com has picked what it feels are the top eight aspects to monitor. As part of the “Countdown to Camp”, they will be counted down with one each day leading up to the first practice.
No. 7: Young linebackers and their development
Why it’s a top issue: One of the Patriots' main weaknesses in 2009 was a lack of a pass rush: The team blitzed more than 40 percent of the time, ranking them seventh in the NFL, which was a sign that there wasn't enough pressure out of the standard four-man rush. The fourth rusher most often comes from the outside linebacker spot. Furthermore, the heart of the defense is the inside linebacker spot and former undrafted free agent Gary Guyton played 84 percent of the snaps there in 2009, the second highest total of any defender.
Why it might change: From a personnel standpoint, the selection of second-round draft choices Jermaine Cunningham (outside linebacker) and Brandon Spikes (inside linebacker), the return to health of 2009 third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie (inside linebacker), and, to a lesser degree, 2008 third-round draft choice Shawn Crable (third round).
Historical perspective: The inside linebackers are the youngest in Bill Belichick's 11-year tenure. No longer can Belichick count on veterans like Tedy Bruschi, Roman Phifer, Ted Johnson and Junior Seau, which highlights the importance of development. Cunningham is the highest outside linebacker (53rd overall) the Patriots have drafted in Belichick's tenure.
Xs and Os thought: When the Patriots set their initial 53-man roster in 2009, they kept 3 inside linebackers (Jerod Mayo, Guyton, Eric Alexander) and 5 outside linebackers (Tully Banta-Cain, Derrick Burgess, Rob Ninkovich, Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods). Special teams contributions are often a factor in that decision-making process.
Looking to the future: How realistic is it to expect immediate pass-rush contributions from Cunningham at outside linebacker? Pat Kirwan of NFL.com examined the topic earlier this year, pointing out that teams relying on rookie pass-rushers should be careful in doing so.
Fun fact: Mayo lives five minutes from Gillette Stadium. "I feel I can get so much better as a football player living near work," he explained.
Camp Countdown:
No. 8 -- Tight ends & the red zone
No. 7: Young linebackers and their development
Why it’s a top issue: One of the Patriots' main weaknesses in 2009 was a lack of a pass rush: The team blitzed more than 40 percent of the time, ranking them seventh in the NFL, which was a sign that there wasn't enough pressure out of the standard four-man rush. The fourth rusher most often comes from the outside linebacker spot. Furthermore, the heart of the defense is the inside linebacker spot and former undrafted free agent Gary Guyton played 84 percent of the snaps there in 2009, the second highest total of any defender.
Why it might change: From a personnel standpoint, the selection of second-round draft choices Jermaine Cunningham (outside linebacker) and Brandon Spikes (inside linebacker), the return to health of 2009 third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie (inside linebacker), and, to a lesser degree, 2008 third-round draft choice Shawn Crable (third round).
Historical perspective: The inside linebackers are the youngest in Bill Belichick's 11-year tenure. No longer can Belichick count on veterans like Tedy Bruschi, Roman Phifer, Ted Johnson and Junior Seau, which highlights the importance of development. Cunningham is the highest outside linebacker (53rd overall) the Patriots have drafted in Belichick's tenure.
Xs and Os thought: When the Patriots set their initial 53-man roster in 2009, they kept 3 inside linebackers (Jerod Mayo, Guyton, Eric Alexander) and 5 outside linebackers (Tully Banta-Cain, Derrick Burgess, Rob Ninkovich, Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods). Special teams contributions are often a factor in that decision-making process.
Looking to the future: How realistic is it to expect immediate pass-rush contributions from Cunningham at outside linebacker? Pat Kirwan of NFL.com examined the topic earlier this year, pointing out that teams relying on rookie pass-rushers should be careful in doing so.
Fun fact: Mayo lives five minutes from Gillette Stadium. "I feel I can get so much better as a football player living near work," he explained.
Camp Countdown:
No. 8 -- Tight ends & the red zone
In recently signing outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich to a contract extension through 2011, news which just came to light Saturday, the Patriots continue to work the mid-level in building their team for the long-term.
Offensive linemen Nick Kaczur (2012) and Mark LeVoir (2011), receiver Sam Aiken (2011), linebacker Eric Alexander (2010), and Ninkovich have all signed modest extensions this season. An agreement had also been struck with linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, but that has not been finalized.
It seems as if the NFL's uncertain labor forecast is playing a role in the team's decision-making. The Patriots must plan for the future, but in doing so, most of the extensions that have been struck have limited risk for the team in the event there is no football in 2011.
While the players signed to extensions might not be the biggest names, all have consistently been active on the 45-man game-day roster and provide important depth.
Still, the big question remains with nose tackle Vince Wilfork, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Wilfork has been immense and figures to command big money should he hit the open market.
Offensive linemen Nick Kaczur (2012) and Mark LeVoir (2011), receiver Sam Aiken (2011), linebacker Eric Alexander (2010), and Ninkovich have all signed modest extensions this season. An agreement had also been struck with linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, but that has not been finalized.
It seems as if the NFL's uncertain labor forecast is playing a role in the team's decision-making. The Patriots must plan for the future, but in doing so, most of the extensions that have been struck have limited risk for the team in the event there is no football in 2011.
While the players signed to extensions might not be the biggest names, all have consistently been active on the 45-man game-day roster and provide important depth.
Still, the big question remains with nose tackle Vince Wilfork, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Wilfork has been immense and figures to command big money should he hit the open market.
In recapping the Patriots' 22-21 loss to the Dolphins, a few special teams changes were notable because of the ever-evolving makeup of the team's roster:
1. Starting inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, who was part of every defensive package and thus played every snap, was taken off the punt coverage team. Rob Ninkovich took his spot.
2. The alignment of the kickoff return unit was tweaked by adding running back Sammy Morris to the front line and leaving two players in the wedge (Chris Baker, Dan Connolly) instead of three. The changes once again didn't produce the desired result, as the unit averaged only 19.8 yards per return.
3. With core special-teamer Bret Lockett inactive with a groin injury, first-year cornerback Kyle Arrington filled his role as gunner on the punt coverage team.
4. Rich Ohrnberger stepped in for the injured Stephen Neal (ankle) on the field-goal protection unit.
1. Starting inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, who was part of every defensive package and thus played every snap, was taken off the punt coverage team. Rob Ninkovich took his spot.
2. The alignment of the kickoff return unit was tweaked by adding running back Sammy Morris to the front line and leaving two players in the wedge (Chris Baker, Dan Connolly) instead of three. The changes once again didn't produce the desired result, as the unit averaged only 19.8 yards per return.
3. With core special-teamer Bret Lockett inactive with a groin injury, first-year cornerback Kyle Arrington filled his role as gunner on the punt coverage team.
4. Rich Ohrnberger stepped in for the injured Stephen Neal (ankle) on the field-goal protection unit.
A look at the Patriots' leaders in special teams tackles (based on coaches' film review), which can highlight the value of some lesser publicized players:
LB Pierre Woods -- 12
LB Eric Alexander -- 9
S Brandon McGowan -- 9
S Pat Chung -- 8
WR Sam Aiken -- 7
CB Kyle Arrington -- 5
S Bret Lockett -- 5
S Brandon Meriweather -- 5
WR Matthew Slater -- 5
LB Rob Ninkovich -- 4
K Stephen Gostkowski -- 4
LB Pierre Woods -- 12
LB Eric Alexander -- 9
S Brandon McGowan -- 9
S Pat Chung -- 8
WR Sam Aiken -- 7
CB Kyle Arrington -- 5
S Bret Lockett -- 5
S Brandon Meriweather -- 5
WR Matthew Slater -- 5
LB Rob Ninkovich -- 4
K Stephen Gostkowski -- 4
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –- Analysis from the New England Patriots' inactive players vs. the New York Jets:
1. Starting right guard Stephen Neal (head) is out, with four-year veteran Dan Connolly the projected fill-in. Rookie Rich Ohrnberger is active for the first time and he is the top backup at center/guard.
2. Left tackle Matt Light (knee) is inactive, meaning that rookie Sebastian Vollmer is slated to start for the fifth straight game. Mark LeVoir is once again the swing tackle.
3. While defensive end Jarvis Green (knee) is out, fellow defensive end Ty Warren (ankle) will play after missing last Sunday’s game. Mike Wright projects to start in Green’s place, with rookies Myron Pryor and Ron Brace the next linemen on the depth chart. Strong line play figures to be crucial against the physical Jets and their No. 1-rated rushing attack.
4. Running back Sammy Morris (knee) is out, so that leaves just three rushers -– Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Maroney projects to be the lead back.
5. With receiver and special teams captain Sam Aiken (hip) inactive, the Patriots figure to lean more on Isaiah Stanback and Julian Edelman as a No. 3 receiver, while rookie Pat Chung projects to take over some of Aiken’s special teams duties.
6. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (knee) is out, so the Patriots lose a backup sub rusher and special teams player. Eric Alexander (groin) is back in the lineup to help fill that void.
7. Cornerback Shawn Springs is out for the second straight week. This seems tied in part to the team calling on Kyle Arrington (four special teams tackles the last two games) and Terrence Wheatley (kickoff returns) on special teams.
8. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) is active for the game. He is the Patriots' best pass rusher.
1. Starting right guard Stephen Neal (head) is out, with four-year veteran Dan Connolly the projected fill-in. Rookie Rich Ohrnberger is active for the first time and he is the top backup at center/guard.
2. Left tackle Matt Light (knee) is inactive, meaning that rookie Sebastian Vollmer is slated to start for the fifth straight game. Mark LeVoir is once again the swing tackle.
3. While defensive end Jarvis Green (knee) is out, fellow defensive end Ty Warren (ankle) will play after missing last Sunday’s game. Mike Wright projects to start in Green’s place, with rookies Myron Pryor and Ron Brace the next linemen on the depth chart. Strong line play figures to be crucial against the physical Jets and their No. 1-rated rushing attack.
4. Running back Sammy Morris (knee) is out, so that leaves just three rushers -– Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Maroney projects to be the lead back.
5. With receiver and special teams captain Sam Aiken (hip) inactive, the Patriots figure to lean more on Isaiah Stanback and Julian Edelman as a No. 3 receiver, while rookie Pat Chung projects to take over some of Aiken’s special teams duties.
6. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (knee) is out, so the Patriots lose a backup sub rusher and special teams player. Eric Alexander (groin) is back in the lineup to help fill that void.
7. Cornerback Shawn Springs is out for the second straight week. This seems tied in part to the team calling on Kyle Arrington (four special teams tackles the last two games) and Terrence Wheatley (kickoff returns) on special teams.
8. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) is active for the game. He is the Patriots' best pass rusher.
FOXBOROUGH – Sights and sounds Friday from Gillette Stadium:
Jarvis Green on his return to practice. Defensive end Jarvis Green was hurrying out of the locker room to get a haircut, but stopped briefly to discuss his return to practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery over the team’s bye week. “That was no dog and pony show,” he said, hopeful that he will be able to suit up Sunday. In addition to Green, outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain expressed similar optimism on his potential availability after suiting up for parts of practice Friday.
Moss hears Revis chatter. Veteran receiver Randy Moss responded to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, telling Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald: “I don’t feed into talking and all that crazy stuff. I’m a 12-year vet. So that stuff don’t bother me. My biggest thing is, when you talk like that, you better back it up. So, we’ll see. We’ll see what goes down."
Best practice squad in 10 years. Asked a question about the team’s practice squad by Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly, coach Bill Belichick took the opportunity to praise his personnel men, Nick Caserio (director of player personnel), Jason Licht (director of pro personnel) and Jon Robinson (director of college scouting). He called the practice squad probably the best group he’s had in his 10-year tenure as coach. He also pointed out rookie free agent Brian Hoyer, late-round draft picks like Julian Edelman, and free agent Rob Ninkovich as examples of how the personnel staff has done a good job finding players this year.
Maroney compares running backs to “Voltron” cartoon. Drawing a large media crowd at his locker, running back Laurence Maroney talked about the team’s running back corps returning to full health. He compared the situation to Voltron, the cartoon character in which five pieces connect together to form one large robot. Sammy Morris went through a full week of practice for the first time since injuring his knee Oct. 18, and Fred Taylor is apparently making progress in his recovery from ankle surgery on Oct. 8.
Jarvis Green on his return to practice. Defensive end Jarvis Green was hurrying out of the locker room to get a haircut, but stopped briefly to discuss his return to practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery over the team’s bye week. “That was no dog and pony show,” he said, hopeful that he will be able to suit up Sunday. In addition to Green, outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain expressed similar optimism on his potential availability after suiting up for parts of practice Friday.
Moss hears Revis chatter. Veteran receiver Randy Moss responded to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, telling Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald: “I don’t feed into talking and all that crazy stuff. I’m a 12-year vet. So that stuff don’t bother me. My biggest thing is, when you talk like that, you better back it up. So, we’ll see. We’ll see what goes down."
Best practice squad in 10 years. Asked a question about the team’s practice squad by Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly, coach Bill Belichick took the opportunity to praise his personnel men, Nick Caserio (director of player personnel), Jason Licht (director of pro personnel) and Jon Robinson (director of college scouting). He called the practice squad probably the best group he’s had in his 10-year tenure as coach. He also pointed out rookie free agent Brian Hoyer, late-round draft picks like Julian Edelman, and free agent Rob Ninkovich as examples of how the personnel staff has done a good job finding players this year.
Maroney compares running backs to “Voltron” cartoon. Drawing a large media crowd at his locker, running back Laurence Maroney talked about the team’s running back corps returning to full health. He compared the situation to Voltron, the cartoon character in which five pieces connect together to form one large robot. Sammy Morris went through a full week of practice for the first time since injuring his knee Oct. 18, and Fred Taylor is apparently making progress in his recovery from ankle surgery on Oct. 8.
Stephen Neal's injury in focus
November, 20, 2009
11/20/09
12:13
PM ET
By
Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots are holding their Friday practice inside Gillette Stadium, and offensive guard Stephen Neal was not present for the media-access portion of the session.
Neal was knocked out of last Sunday's loss to the Colts with a head injury. He has not taken part in any practices since.
If Neal can not play Sunday against the Jets, his starting right guard spot would most likely be filled by four-year veteran Dan Connolly. It also would likely result in rookie Rich Ohrnberger -- a center/guard -- being active for the first time this season as the top interior backup.
The Jets blitz more than any team in the NFL, so pass protection and overall rhythm in the passing game will be key for the Patriots. Neal's status ties into that, and will be something to monitor leading up to kickoff.
Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (sprained knee) and running back Fred Taylor (right ankle) were the other players not spotted at the media-access portion of Friday's practice. With defensive lineman Jarvis Green at practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery during the team's bye week, it is a sign that he is close to a return. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) was also on the field for the first time since being knocked out of Sunday's loss to the Colts.
Neal was knocked out of last Sunday's loss to the Colts with a head injury. He has not taken part in any practices since.
If Neal can not play Sunday against the Jets, his starting right guard spot would most likely be filled by four-year veteran Dan Connolly. It also would likely result in rookie Rich Ohrnberger -- a center/guard -- being active for the first time this season as the top interior backup.
The Jets blitz more than any team in the NFL, so pass protection and overall rhythm in the passing game will be key for the Patriots. Neal's status ties into that, and will be something to monitor leading up to kickoff.
Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (sprained knee) and running back Fred Taylor (right ankle) were the other players not spotted at the media-access portion of Friday's practice. With defensive lineman Jarvis Green at practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery during the team's bye week, it is a sign that he is close to a return. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) was also on the field for the first time since being knocked out of Sunday's loss to the Colts.
FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive end Ty Warren, who did not practice Wednesday, upped his workload during Thursday's practice. Warren was listed on the team's participation report as being limited in team drills during the session.
In addition to Warren, receiver Sam Aiken also increased his workload. After not practicing Wednesday because of a hip injury, he took part in limited team drills Thursday.
Did Not Practice:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Limited participation:
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Full participation:
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)
LB Gary Guyton (illness) and WR Randy Moss (not injury related) were removed from the participation report.
On the Jets' side, LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) and S Jim Leonhard (thumb) did not participate for the second day in a row, DE Shaun Ellis and WR Brad Smith (quad) were limited for the second straight day, and LB Bryan Thomas (toe) once again had full participation. Long snapper James Dearth (not injury related) was removed from the report.
In addition to Warren, receiver Sam Aiken also increased his workload. After not practicing Wednesday because of a hip injury, he took part in limited team drills Thursday.
Did Not Practice:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Limited participation:
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Full participation:
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)
LB Gary Guyton (illness) and WR Randy Moss (not injury related) were removed from the participation report.
On the Jets' side, LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) and S Jim Leonhard (thumb) did not participate for the second day in a row, DE Shaun Ellis and WR Brad Smith (quad) were limited for the second straight day, and LB Bryan Thomas (toe) once again had full participation. Long snapper James Dearth (not injury related) was removed from the report.
Ninkovich hurts knee late in first half
November, 15, 2009
11/15/09
7:12
PM ET
By
Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich injured his right knee and returned to the locker room late in the second quarter.
Ninkovich grabbed at his right knee after a 5-yard run by Indianapolis running back Donald Brown. Ninkovich was examined by trainers and walked off on his own.
But Ninkovich limped along the sideline, clutching the knee at times. He returned to the locker room at the 2-minute warning.
The Patriots said his return is questionable.
Breakdown of special teams units
October, 5, 2009
10/05/09
11:59
AM ET
By
Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com
A snapshot look at the players on the Patriots' 45-man game-day roster who were part of core special teams units Sunday against the Ravens:
WR Sam Aiken
LB Eric Alexander
S Pat Chung
LB Rob Ninkovich
Safeties Matthew Slater, Brandon McGowan and James Sanders were part of three special teams units.
The Patriots have been inconsistent on special teams, with some of the more noticeable struggles coming on kickoff returns. Slater, who was part of the kickoff coverage, punt coverage and punt return teams, could provide a spark to a kickoff return unit that has annually been one of the NFL's better groups.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Reiss
Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
Chris Forsberg
Chris Forsberg has been reporting on the Boston sports scene since 1999. With his video camera in tow, Forsberg covered everything from Massachusetts high school sports to Boston's pro sports teams. Follow him on Twitter.
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