Malik Cunningham: 'Poise' & Pizzazz in Patriots Loss to Texans
For 19 consecutive years, at least one undrafted rookie free agent has made the final roster of the New England Patriots. We've got a leader in the clubhouse for No. 20.
Perhaps the fact that an undrafted rookie passer was the star summer attraction says more about the state of the Patriots' offense than they'd reasonably prefer, but it's an undeniable fact after their preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Thursday night.
Going into what became their final drive of the night, the Patriots put up a mere 105 yards of offense on nine prior possessions. There's an asterisk next to that final tally considering the self-induced absence of several starters (including franchise quarterback Mac Jones), but it's certainly one of the reasons why they dropped their exhibition kickoff 20-9 at Gillette Stadium.
The offensive silver lining was Malik Cunningham, who commandeered the Patriots' final Thursday drive: on a 14-play, 75-yard possession, Cunningham played a direct role on eight and 53 respectively. The most expensive undrafted free agent in Patriots history capped things off with a nine-yard six-pointer to create the final margin.
Though the Patriots' offense left much to be desired on Thursday, some of the major players were impressed with what Cunningham had to offer.
“He did a nice job," head coach Bill Belichick declared. "(He) showed some poise out there.”
“We already know what he could do," receiver Tyquan Thornton added. "But it was good to see him do it tonight.”
From the get-go, Cunningham was destined to be one of Thursday's star attractions, if only for sheer curiosity alone. Many have pegged him as primed for a position change, namely at receiver. Cunningham indeed took several snaps at receiver in the prior portions of the game but did not record any stats.
A strong showing under center, however, should only up the intrigue over the next two games. While backup contenders Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley posted mostly inoffensive statlines, they mustered only three points on the night, and that Nick Folk field goal only came after Jalen Mills' interception of C.J. Stroud set them up in prime scoring territory.
Cunningham and the Patriots (0-1) have a few extra days to prepare for their next preseason tilt as they go to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 19 (8 p.m. ET, WBZ).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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