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Ian's Daily Blog - Here is a compilation of news reports on New England Patriots rookie Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham in today's edition of "What We've Learned".

Sicilian

I don't think the Burgess re-signing means they're not pleased with Cunningham's progress. I think that's more the reality of having a rookie DE to OLB conversion project. You're not going to depend on that rookie to get significant reps in their rookie season in all situations. Burgess gives them another vet option in case the kid needs a little more time to season.

I like that the kid seems to have a motor though. We've been lacking energy from the outside in recent years. If he can find a niche on 3rd downs, it would be more than enough for me to be happy this season.

ctpatsfan77

Personally, I think it's more an issue of Burgess' developing comfort with the system near the end of the season, and trying to have a mix of vets and young players (especially important when you add as many young players as the Pats have the last two seasons).

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"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

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PatsFaninME

Burgess signing has nothing to do with Cunningham's progress. Just insurance and another veteran in camp to show the young guys what's expected. I'm not even 100% convinced that Burgess makes final roster.

NEGoldenAge

I don't think the Pats pay do too much attention to rookie evaluation at the OTAs. Although I am certain that they do try to determine some sort of baseline to measure progres, I think the major focus is on helping players (especially the new ones) prepare for training camp. The evaluations that happen during, and at the end of training camp are the important ones.

patfanken

The only way I can see Cunningham making an immediate impact THIS year is on STs, and as a situational pass rusher. The DE to OLB conversion is NOT a one or even two year process. We won't see the true value of Cunningham until well into his 3rd year. It is what it is. The best we can hope for THIS season is to see the "flashes".

italia44

You certainly covered all your bases with this post,pfk.......however,I'll gently chastise you,by referring to what Peter O'Toole said to Omar Sharif in the beginning of "Lawrence of Arabia"...
"NOTHING ,is written"

......just ask Julian Edelman

IllegalContact

having cunningham develop quickly and be productive in 2010 would make a HUGE HUGE HUGE! impact for the pats defense. right now, the pass rush from the OLB position stands to be next to non-existent

as for burgess, cheap signing for someone who started playing better late......he can help in case of injury or simply general depth

VJCPatriot

I wouldn't read too much into the burgess signing either. I think the Pats just felt he came on more during the end of the season and gives them some nice veteran depth.

As for cunningham the news is exciting and I hope he can contribute some this year and shows that he deserves a roster spot going forward. Not everyone can impress right off the bat like Vollmer or Edelman, but there's certainly some hope here for this year's rookie class.

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woolster22

It would be nice to see him make an impact this year but I'm not getting my hopes up. now Spikes/McKenzie on the other hand...I think we will see good things from these two, whether it be in a combination of the two making smaller impacts or one of them having a year similar to Mayo's rookie showing.