FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich played all 80 snaps on defense in Sunday’s dominant 34-9 win over the Detroit Lions.

The 30-year-old veteran played just about wire to wire last season for the Patriots, despite being somewhat undersized for a defensive end with his 6-2, 260-pound frame.

It’s nothing new, but Ninkovich’s durability and consistency are worth noting. He notched his team-leading sixth sack of the season in helping the Patriots shut down the Lions.

Coach Bill Belichick, who seldom issues public praise or punishment, made sure his feelings were known about Ninkovich, with whom he has a certain similarity.

“Rob’s a tough Croatian, tough Croatian kid,” said Belichick, himself very proud of his Croation heritage. “He’s strong; he’s really strong for his size, been durable. He’s athletic, plays on his feet, runs well. He’s able to definitely take care of himself out there and play in a lot of different situations.”

Belichick said Ninkovich was a well-rounded, or complete defender.

“He’s strong enough to play against bigger people and athletic enough to play in some space and coverage situations, whatever the requirements are,” Belichick said.

“There are a lot of things that he can do. We were a little light at end yesterday without (Dominique) Easley. I don’t know how much that would have affected Rob’s playing time yesterday, but we were definitely light at the position going in there. Rob gives us a consistent level of play and gives us a lot of toughness and a lot of versatility. I don’t think anybody is looking to take him off the field.”