Now that’s a question! Nothing against Ninkovich but I’d still lean toward Vrabel. I think he was just an overly more dominant player and more of a tone-setter and on-field leader. I remember reading a story that when the defensive calls weren’t relayed in quick enough, Vrabel would call the play.
Also can’t forget the touchdown catches in the Super Bowl. And also telling Philip Rivers in the 2006 AFCDG that “he would never be Drew Brees, he knew it, the Pats knew it and the fans knew it”.
Vrabel was everything the early 2000’s dynasty was. A castoff from Pittsburgh who found multiple roles in New England and came through in the clutch time and time again. He also gave the defense much of the edge that they had. No one looked forward to playing against Mike Vrabel, that’s for sure.
Ninkovich has certainly built a great career for himself in New England, and is one of the main stalwarts of the post-2000’s defense. There’s a ton to love about him, but Vrabel was special, and helped win Super Bowls, so he still has the edge.
