The preseason game of the New England Patriots might not have been the most thrilling offensive display, but it had its moments of excitement, particularly when rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham took the field late in the fourth quarter.
Cunningham, a former University of Louisville standout, made an impressive entrance by completing three out of four pass attempts for a total of 19 yards. What truly caught everyone’s attention was his 34-yard dash on the ground, contributing significantly to the Patriots’ sole touchdown of the game. This remarkable 9-yard run by Cunningham showcased his incredible athleticism as he maneuvered against the Houston Texans’ defense.
Amid the 20-9 loss at Gillette Stadium, Malik Cunningham’s performance was one of the standout moments for the Patriots’ offense. Coach Bill Belichick expressed his admiration for Cunningham’s contributions during the postgame press conference, highlighting his poise, toughness, and ability to lead the team.
Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson, who shares an alma mater with Cunningham from their time at Louisville, couldn’t help but react to the touchdown on social media.
As the regular season approaches, the anticipation grows about Malik Cunningham’s potential spot on the 53-man roster. His versatility was on full display during the game as he not only played quarterback but also took snaps at wide receiver, a position he’s been practicing during training camp. The decision for the Patriots becomes more intriguing considering the possibility of placing him on the practice squad while risking other teams claiming him off waivers.
With more training camp sessions and a couple of preseason games ahead before the Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, there’s still ample time for changes. However, Malik Cunningham’s performance so far suggests he’s a player worth investing in and developing further.