It's starting to sound like Jermaine Cunningham will survive the New England Patriots' final roster cut.

The defensive end was on the brink of being a bust after playing just 48 snaps last season, but was given a team award for his offseason work and carried that momentum into the preseason by recording six quarterback hits and two sacks, making him the Patriots' most active pass-rusher. 

His performance against the Giants during the preseason finale was so strong the typically tight-lipped Bill Belichick praised Cunningham.

"He’s been at a higher level," Belichick said. "He came into camp in great condition, he worked hard in the offseason -- he got faster, stronger, more explosive, worked on his techniques. He worked extremely hard and came to training camp and that work and those improvements they showed up; they showed up in practice (and) they showed up from early in camp through all four preseason games."

Cunningham, a former second-round pick, was perceived to be locked in a battle with Trevor Scott entering Wednesday's game. Scott recorded one sack in the contest, while Cunningham finished with two.

It would be surprising if Cunningham were let go, but recent history suggests that receiving public praise from Belichick can be a poison pill. In 2010, the Patriots coach gave similar praise to running back Laurence Maroney before trading him to the Denver Broncos for a fourth-round pick.

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