Reiss concerned about Cunningham

[TheComeback]

So from that stat, it tells me that Dunlap finished the play more often than Cunningham. How many of those hurries that Cunningham had turn into completions? That would be a more telling stat. The effect of a "hurry" while great, is nonetheless inconsequential if the pass is completed. On the other hand, when you sack a QB, you make sure the pass isn't even attempted, plus they more than likely lose yardage.

How often has Brady, Manning, Rogers, hell, even Sanchez get hurried and still complete passes?

A more "telling" stat? For who, Cunningham or our defense as a whole? As Bill himself has said, once the ball is in the air, it's the secondary's job to make a play. You're nitpicking because the guy missed a lot of sacks. That doesn't make him a bad pass rusher. I know Bill likes pressures because they lead to turnovers.

His job is to get pressure on the QB, not get pressure on the QB, do a 20 yard backflip into the secondary and then cover whoever is supposed to get the ball.

Some of us think he's a good player because he's more than a pass rusher. He's also a nice tackler against the run, sets the edge, and he's already become fairly reliable in coverage. If you're just going to criticize him for not accumulating enough of your favorite stat on defense, that's a pretty weak argument. Those first three qualities I listed are all as important as pass rushing for an OLB, and frankly for a second round pick, I'm surprised he's such a well-rounded player.

The sacks will come for Cunningham.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

Why am i not surprise?I dont know what BB saw in this guy.That other kid Dunlap had a higher ceiling then he did.

Hmm..Dunlap is around 280lbs....no way he would ever play as a 34OLB. He fits the Bengals defense fine because they require their LDE (43) to be around 275-285. Ie Justin Smith and that Odom dude.

 

[YearbookCurfew]

Either he makes the team or he doesn't. BB will do what is best.

 

[condon84]

A more "telling" stat? For who, Cunningham or our defense as a whole? As Bill himself has said, once the ball is in the air, it's the secondary's job to make a play. You're nitpicking because the guy missed a lot of sacks. That doesn't make him a bad pass rusher. I know Bill likes pressures because they lead to turnovers.

His job is to get pressure on the QB, not get pressure on the QB, do a 20 yard backflip into the secondary and then cover whoever is supposed to get the ball.

Some of us think he's a good player because he's more than a pass rusher. He's also a nice tackler against the run, sets the edge, and he's already become fairly reliable in coverage. If you're just going to criticize him for not accumulating enough of your favorite stat on defense, that's a pretty weak argument. Those first three qualities I listed are all as important as pass rushing for an OLB, and frankly for a second round pick, I'm surprised he's such a well-rounded player.

The sacks will come for Cunningham.

I'm sure if Cunningham was good enough to make those hurries into sacks he would have. And he's a nice tackler against the run? LOL. What the hell does that mean? As opposed to what? Isn't his job to tackle people with the ball? Didn't he miss sacks because he couldn't wrap QBs up?

I'm criticizing this guy because he's not as good as you think he is. I don't see it. He may as well prove me wrong by having a great year this year. Who knows.

 

[fumbrunner]

I think its way too early to give up on the guy. Having said that, it's pretty clear that he is likely destined to be a situational pass rushing OLB. There wont be alot of opportunities for him on a 4 DL front with all the Pats' recent acquisitions.

 

[patsfan-1982]

How does one have a second year slump if the first year wasn't impressive in the first place?

this post says it all, 34 tackles and 1 sack from a starting OLB in a 3-4 is notting to write home about the only way he can slump from that is by not makeing the team at all

 

[supafly]

Either he makes the team or he doesn't. BB will do what is best.

??? You really think there's a chance that Jermaine Cunningham doesn't make the 53 man roster ???

He's a 2nd round pick, beginning to play in his 2nd yr............

If guys like Chad Jackson, Shawn Crable, and Tyrone McKenzie were able to get some multi-year opportunities, why would anyone actually even consider the fact that Cunningham may not make the team after ONE year so far???

However, I do agree with, and respect your thoughts on Belichick doing what's best. I just don't understand the thinking on how just last week we were pumped as hell for the upcoming yr from Cunningham, then one little mention in a blog from Mr. Football himself (Reiss), and now his job is in danger from some on the forum??

I like and respect Reiss' reporting skills, and his topics and stats are relevant and helpful--but let's leave the on field assessments and TC performance to Belichick and his staff. Maybe Cunningham had the flu or something for a couple of days...my gosh!!!

 

[ausbacker]

I'm sure if Cunningham was good enough to make those hurries into sacks he would have. And he's a nice tackler against the run? LOL. What the hell does that mean? As opposed to what? Isn't his job to tackle people with the ball? Didn't he miss sacks because he couldn't wrap QBs up?

I'm criticizing this guy because he's not as good as you think he is. I don't see it. He may as well prove me wrong by having a great year this year. Who knows.

Out of curiosity, given all the defensive linemen and linebackers taken in the 2010 draft where do you rate Cunningham based on production and opinion?

 

[everlong]

People love to have their busties even more than they love having their binkies. He's a second year player who was inconsistent but showed some good signs in year one. I don't see how he can be anointed or crucified at this point. I guess I'll never get the all or nothing mentality.

 

[Zachary]

Either he makes the team or he doesn't. BB will do what is best.

Coach Belichick? Is that you?

"It is what it is."

 

[Synovia]

??? You really think there's a chance that Jermaine Cunningham doesn't make the 53 man roster ???

He's a 2nd round pick, beginning to play in his 2nd yr............

If guys like Chad Jackson, Shawn Crable, and Tyrone McKenzie were able to get some multi-year opportunities, why would anyone actually even consider the fact that Cunningham may not make the team after ONE year so far???

Because 95% of patriots fans are idiots. We're like the redsox fan who always seem to think that other teams players are better. "OH, we need to trade our .900+ OPS rookie RF who plays spectacular defense for some other team's 27 year old ex-prospect RF who is currently hitting .225"

Its the same **** here. If a player isn't an all-pro as a rookie, he must be crap. Cunningham was a starter by the end of his rookie year. Thats really friggen good.

 

[condon84]

Out of curiosity, given all the defensive linemen and linebackers taken in the 2010 draft where do you rate Cunningham based on production and opinion?

I didn't see enough of the other rookie DL to give them all a rating. I did see Suh play against us. And his game was broken down countless of times on NFL network and he looks like he's really good. I saw Dunlap a good amount of games because I live in MD and the Bengals are in the Raven's division so they were always on. And he looked more effective than Cunningham.

Besides, I'm assessing Cunningham not against other rookies, but based on his play. Dunlap's name came up earlier in this thread and someone brought up his stats which includes more sacks versus Cunningham who has more QB hurries.

I don't really want to bash the kid, but he's really not as good as people are making him out to be. I hope he proves me wrong though.

 

[Synovia]

I saw Dunlap a good amount of games because I live in MD and the Bengals are in the Raven's division so they were always on. And he looked more effective than Cunningham. .

And yet he got to the quarterback LESS than Cunningham did, while playing a role that allows him to rush more often. That doesn't make you question your evaluation of Cunningham?

Cunningham had more hurries last year than Mike Vrable ever had.

 

[JackBauer]

I think its way too early to give up on the guy. Having said that, it's pretty clear that he is likely destined to be a situational pass rushing OLB.

I don't think this could be further from the truth. Cunningham's skillset doesn't project to a situational pass rusher. Indeed, I think it's far more likely, as RW stated earlier in the thread, that he ends up being a well-balanced LB with the ability to set the edge, play the run, cover, and apply pressure as needed.

 

[JackBauer]

... but he's really not as good as people are making him out to be.

Based on the commentary in this thread, I'd venture the exact opposite.

 

[asfpnepRefugee]

Because 95% of patriots fans are idiots. We're like the redsox fan who always seem to think that other teams players are better. "OH, we need to trade our .900+ OPS rookie RF who plays spectacular defense for some other team's 27 year old ex-prospect RF who is currently hitting .225"

Hopefully this is hypothetical because at least this season all I'm seeing is a good hitting rookie RF who plays crappy defense but runs around a lot & hustles so stupid red sox fans think he's good at that.

 

[DW Toys]

I don't think this could be further from the truth. Cunningham's skillset doesn't project to a situational pass rusher. Indeed, I think it's far more likely, as RW stated earlier in the thread, that he ends up being a well-balanced LB with the ability to set the edge, play the run, cover, and apply pressure as needed.

Probably agree with this analysis. Cover is where he needs improvement but that will happen.
He is a LB first.
DW Toys

 

[Huckleberry1]

When I read threads like this it makes me realize that if the majority of Patriot fans had their way Tom Brady would have been cut after his incredibly unproductive rookie year.

 

[Patspsycho]

Because 95% of patriots fans are idiots. We're like the redsox fan who always seem to think that other teams players are better. "OH, we need to trade our .900+ OPS rookie RF who plays spectacular defense for some other team's 27 year old ex-prospect RF who is currently hitting .225"

Its the same **** here. If a player isn't an all-pro as a rookie, he must be crap. Cunningham was a starter by the end of his rookie year. Thats really friggen good.

I assume you're speaking of Reddick? I hope he stays in RF for the next 10 years, and that we never again see Nancy Drew out there.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I assume you're speaking of Reddick? I hope he stays in RF for the next 10 years, and that we never again see Nancy Drew out there.

Agreed. This kid sends positive vibes to most of the fans. He really is a good story of someone just "getting it."