ESPN Boston: Where’s Cunningham

I like when reporters ask good questions so hats off to whoever asked BB about Jermaine Cunningham today. Here’s what he had to say:

“I think one of the things that Jermaine has had to work through is the time he missed in training camp and the preseason,” said Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who noted Cunningham also had to deal with the transition from playing outside linebacker in last year’s 3-4 scheme, to being a defensive end in New England’s 4-3 base defense this season.

“This year we transitioned to a little bit more multiple defensive front, and that’s been an adjustment for him. Missing that time didn’t help him any. He’s worked hard and done a good job to get back on the field – getting rehab and getting back out there. I think he’s improving. He’s gotten a little better each week. He’s definitely on the upswing here. He’s a guy that we hop will be able to contribute for us.”

Personally I’m not getting too judgmental on Cunningham here in week six. Yes I find it a little surprising that for someone who played his college career as a defensive end in a similar system to what the Pats are running now that he’d have much of a learning curve going back to it.

Of course I’m sure there are different things he’s being asked to do, but with Andre Carter playing lights out it’s hard to really make a case that the Pats are dying to get Cunningham’s help.

From what I’ve seen in limited action this year is that he’s still a tough, physical player. He’s just not the 3 down linebacker/pass rusher a lot of us envisioned him being when he was drafted.

Let’s just remember that Belichick has had his eye on Cunningham since his early days at Florida. He’s still only in his second year and he was dinged early in camp. With a little time I think we’re going to start seeing some really good stuff from him on a rotational basis, and hopefully down the line he’s ready to take over for Andre Carter. Though with the way Carter is playing I don’t think it will be any time soon.