C.J. Stroud isn’t expected to be the only rookie quarterback seeing action behind center when the Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots for Thursday’s Week 1 2023 NFL preseason game. The Patriots happen to have a dual threat of their own in Malik Cunningham — who’s anticipated to see plenty of snaps and perhaps be used as more than a passer.
Malik Cunningham’s Journey to Foxboro Includes Rare Record Deal
Cunningham, 24, got on NFL boards for his flair of running and throwing. In 2019 and 2020, he went on to throw for 22 and 20 touchdowns, respectively, while adding a combined 13 rushing touchdowns in those two seasons.
But in 2021, Cunningham’s legs and mobility led to 1,031 rushing yards and an astonishing 20 rushing scores. And, with 38 trips to the end zone as a runner for his career, he ranked second behind a certain Louisville legend named Teddy Bridgewater…which also meant Cunningham shattered some marks made by another Cardinals icon in past Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.
Pre-draft, PFN’s Ian Cummings cited Cunningham’s high-energy athleticism and creation ability as his first strength while additionally noting how teams looking for someone with the knack for creating their own plays with their feet have become more valuable in the modern NFL.
However, Cunningham was knocked for lacking arm strength. That dilemma was visible during his collegiate career and eventually lowered his draft stock. The Pats, though, not only saw enough interchangeable traits in Cunningham’s game to bring him in but awarded him with a $200,000 undrafted free agent rookie deal…a new team record.
That deal, however, came with some early experimenting outside of quarterback.
Cunningham Has Become ‘Do-It-All’ Dude in Pats Camp
So he’s not the pocket king Tom Brady was for two decades with New England, nor does he have a similar throwing ability to QB1 Mac Jones. Nevertheless, Cunningham brings an element to the Patriots’ offense that has led the franchise to experiment with him elsewhere.
Or, as Patriots Country on Fan Nation described it, Cunningham has become a “do-it-all” dude during training camp.
Cunningham is so speedy that he’s been tried first at wide receiver — practically being given what’s been called the “Julian Edelman treatment” as the legendary Pats wideout and Super Bowl 53 MVP was a former QB who converted into a wide receiver.
However, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported on Monday that Cunningham made the switch back to his old position from his UL days. In the process, he took from Kyed’s count 15 snaps behind center that led to these results:
- 4 of 7 passing
- One scramble while pressured
- Took two designed plays where he tucked it and ran
Cunningham also handed the football off five times — meaning the Patriots and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien trusted his arm more through eight passing plays. His best pass that Kyed saw was actually an errant throw to fellow rookie Kayshon Boutte — but was an attempt that ended with a one-handed grab for the score.
Malik Cunningham at QB. 👀 pic.twitter.com/xhg6LL3Sud
— Patriot RedZone (@PatriotRedZone) August 6, 2023
Jones, himself, was impressed with how Cunningham handled his return to QB in his conversation with Kyed and the Boston media.
“He’s very athletic. He’s a smart kid. He works hard. He doesn’t get a lot of reps, but you can see when he’s in there, he’s a little bit of a playmaker,” Jones said.
The 2021 first-rounder even joked he may take one element from Cunningham’s skills.
“Maybe I can take some of his running ability and add it to my game,” Jones said.
Jones is entering a critical third season as the Patriots’ QB1. Meanwhile, New England has another passer who bears watching on Thursday versus Houston as a rare “do-it-all” type for this offense. Outside of Stroud, Cunningham has become the rookie QB on the other side who’s worth following as he fights his way to a roster spot.
