How Will New England Patriots Use 'Improving' Malik Cunningham?
The New England Patriots' offense has trudged through the season's first six games, averaging the second-fewest points per game in the NFL at just 12 points per contest.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and the passing game's inability to get rolling has played a central role in these struggles, as Jones' 1,208 passing yards ranks third-worst among those who've started six games this year. His five touchdowns are tied for the fewest.
Conversely, Jones' seven interceptions are tied for the second most in the league, and he's thrown five in the last three games alone.
New England has removed Jones from games twice this season, once in a 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and again the week after during a 34-0 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.
But Patriots coach Bill Belichick has remained steady in his support of Jones, which succinctly turns the conversation to those behind the third-year signal caller.
This picture changed Sunday, when New England fell 21-17 on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders - and rookie Malik Cunningham was elevated from the practice squad and received the nod as Jones' backup over second-year pro Bailey Zappe.
Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien voiced confidence in Zappe on Tuesday but shared that finding a way to get Cunningham into the game was a focal point for the team heading into Las Vegas.
Cunningham played five offensive snaps in his regular season debut and was dropped for a five-yard loss. O'Brien anticipates his role changing each week - but Jones enjoys what he brings to New England as much off the field as on it.
"Malik's a good player, definitely very athletic and can make plays," Jones said. "He's been a great addition in the locker room too, just enjoy having conversations with him, and he keeps it fun and all that. So, really enjoy him and feel like he's done a good job."
"He's improving," New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick declared of rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham.
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
Belichick implied he'd be fine with Cunningham entering should Jones be unable to play, reiterating his status as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart would mean he'd be next up.
Cunningham completed three of six passes for 19 yards during the preseason while rushing six times for 39 yards and a touchdown. He's since resided on New England's practice squad, watching and learning from the sidelines.
Behind the scenes, the 25-year-old Cunningham has impressed Belichick with his growth and may be in line for a niche role on the offense moving forward.
"He's a young player, so he's improving," Belichick said. "We'll see how it goes."
The Patriots are Jones' team, and it'll likely remain that way for the foreseeable future - but Cunningham's athleticism and playmaking ability provides an intriguing combination that New England appears poised to incorporate into its offense at various points in the season's second half.
Cunningham's next chance to play comes Sunday, when the Patriots host the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. EST inside Gillette Stadium.
