FOXBOROUGH — Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham delivered the hit of the night, taking Eagles quarterback Michael Vick out of the game on the first play of Philadelphia’s second offensive series after driving him into the turf, his helmet connecting with Vick’s midsection. X-rays on Vick’s ribs were negative, but he didn’t return.

It was one of three quarterback pressures in the game for Cunningham, who had a throng of reporters waiting at his locker eager to hear him talk about the hit. He stuck to a theme, then hit repeat. Again, and again, and again.

How did it feel?


Cunningham: “It’s always good to be out there playing football.”

How about the hit on Vick?

Cunningham: “That’s football, hits like that happen all the time.”

Were you surprised he was hurt?

Cunningham: “That’s football.”

Have you felt comfortable in camp?

Cunningham: “It feels good to be out there playing football.”

How is it playing different end positions?

Cunningham: “Just going out there playing football, whichever side you’re on, wherever you’re lined up at.”

How much was the hit on Vick instinctive, and how much was it reading the play?

Cunningham: “Yeah, that’s just football, going out there and getting the person with the ball … running back, quarterback, receiver, whoever it is.”

Could you tell Vick was going to be in trouble?

Cunningham: “I mean, it’s just football, man.”

Do you like going up against an athletic player like Vick?

Cunningham: “That’s the game of football, man.”

Is that your answer for the night?

Cunningham: “It is.”