Rob Ninkovich’s versatility in the Patriots’ modified Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 system was demonstrated exceptionally versus the Colts. According to ProFootballFocus, Ninkovich finished the AFC Championship game with a score of +9.2 with 6.6 of his points coming from his pass rush. In this game, he totalled four tackles, two QB hits and nine QB hurries constantly making his way into the backfield while setting the edge on running plays. In this breakdown, we will look at Ninkovich’s role in this system and how he fared in all aspects of his game versus the Colts.

First, the Patriots run a modified version of the Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 system. The original Fairbanks-Bullough system featured two gap assignments for the defensive lineman while allowing the linebackers to roam behind the larger body defensive lineman to collect tackles around the edge. The Patriots version of the system is even more flexible than the original stressing versatility in their defensive roles. In addition to the typical 3-4 roles, Belichick likes to shift defensive lineman to over and under positions creating a modified 4-3 to crowd the line of scrimmage to confuse the offense. In this defensive scheme, Ninkovich fills the role as a defensive end in the 4-3 unit, and outside linebacker in the 3-4 unit.

Click here for a breakdown of Patriots Pass Defense versus Andrew Luck.

Pass Rush

At 6’2″ 260 lbs, Ninkovich is on the smaller side for a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. Traditionally, defensive ends or outside linebackers tend to be 2-4 inches taller. So what makes Ninkovich special in Belichick’s modified Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 system? Let’s take a look at his pass rushing plays versus the Colts to determine this answer.

Play 1

Situation: 2nd and 8 at IND 23

Description: Q1 – (14:21) (Shotgun) A.Luck pass incomplete short right to D.Allen.



The Patriots line up with eight men on the line of scrimmage. This is a very confusing look for Luck. Instantly, Luck can determine that he has man-to-man coverage on the two wide receivers on the right, so the shallow cross route by the tight end is probably going to be his best bet.

http://i.imgur.com/XRWahDx.png

The Patriots drop three off of the line of scrimmage into zone coverage and one into man-to-man coverage on TE80 Fleener. Ninkovich lines up wide left and rushes around RT76 Reitz. In this play, Ninkovich uses his speed to engage with Reitz and then dips his interior hip to turn around the blocker. Luck sees the pressure and backfoots his throw leaving the ball short of his target.

Play 2

Situation: 2nd and 8 at IND 34

Description: Q1 – (8:58) (Shotgun) A.Luck scrambles right tackle to IND 39 for 5 yards (D.Hightower). NE-D.Revis was injured during the play.



Just like Play 1, Ninkovich rushes from the left outside and uses his speed to get around the right tackle forcing Luck to step up into the pocket. Luck uses his mobility to scramble outside and for a gain of five yards on the play.

http://i.imgur.com/9gEXieQ.png

The reason why I’m showing this play is to demonstrate Ninkovich’s individual effort and pursuit. After, Luck steps up into the pocket, Ninkovich works his way all of the way back around the formation.

http://i.imgur.com/NDLBmTm.png

Most defenders at this point would just give up and stay in the backfield recovering for the next play, but Ninkovich doesn’t quit his pursuit. Just love the individual effort on this play.

Play 3

Situation: 2nd and 5 at NE 41

Description: Q1 – (6:01) A.Luck pass incomplete short right to J.Doyle (R.Ninkovich).



The Colts run a packaged play that is very common to Seahawks and the Redskins fans alike. It is a play-action bootleg right where TE84 Doyle runs across the backfield to be Luck’s first read on the play in the flat. Ninkovich first reads the interaction between Luck and the runningback to make sure it’s not a running play seeing Doyle running to the right flat.

http://i.imgur.com/LeOO2vp.png

Ninkovich chips Doyle legally, since the contact is within five yards of the line of scrimmage. A technique very common among the Patriots linebackers as seen in our Forsett vs Patriots breakdown.

http://i.imgur.com/h5RGXvm.png

This chip slows down Doyle, but also it allows Ninkovich to get in the throwing lane of Luck to swat down the ball. Excellent stop on the play and great recognition of the play design.

Play 6

Situation: 3rd and 10 at IND 33

Description: Q2 – (15:00) (Shotgun) A.Luck pass incomplete short right to T.Hilton (D.McCourty) [Cha.Jones].



Ninkovich lines up wide left and bull-rushes RT76 Reitz. This play demonstrates the power Ninkovich can develop and deliver while driving into the blocker. He also, places his hands with great technique on the inside shoulder pads of Reitz generating great leverage.

The one improvement Ninkovich should make is that after he takes his three steps towards his target, Ninkovich stutter steps. This is something that doesn’t add anything to the pass rush and gives the right tackle more time to adjust his body to attack the angle more correctly. Excellent edge rushers like Kansas City’s Justin Houston take two to three steps toward their target and commit to the move without stutter-stepping. This should help Ninkovich penetrate better in the future.

Play 10

Situation: 2nd and 10 at NE 23

Description: Q2 – (6:06) (Shotgun) A.Luck pass short left to C.Fleener ran ob at NE 12 for 11 yards [R.Ninkovich].



Ninkovich lines up wide left and speed rushes around the outside of the right tackle. Ninkovich starts more inside and then uses his arms to double-swipe away the hands of RT76 Reitz to get around him. For more details on the Double Swipe move read more in our Ryan Kerrigan – Double Swipe article. After Ninkovich makes it around the right tackle, he dips his right hip and continues to pursue Luck delivering a hit on the scrambling quarterback. Another play showing his excellent pursuit and effort.

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