New England Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick commends rookie QB's 'poise' and 'toughness'

By Trevor Woods | Last updated 8/11/23

The New England Patriots have been creative with rookie Malik Cunningham this offseason.

Cunningham, a quarterback during his time at Louisville, has taken snaps at QB, receiver and on special teams for the Pats. While the undrafted free agent's ultimate role on the team is to be determined, he made a big impact at QB in New England's preseason opener versus the Houston Texans.

Trailing 20-3 in what was a dull game for the Patriots offense, Cunningham came into the game in the fourth quarter and provided fireworks and New England's lone touchdown of the night.

Cunningham completed three of four passes for 19 yards and ran five times for 34 yards and a rushing score where he ran up the gut with authority.

I can’t stop watching Malik Cunningham put a defender on skates.

Absolutely beautiful. pic.twitter.com/1vmpMuMPfl
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) August 11, 2023

After the game, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick commended Cunningham's efforts.

"Showed some poise out there, some toughness," Belichick said. "Moved the team. That was nice. Did a nice job."

Cunningham, who's vying for a roster spot, made the most of his opportunity, something he said "feels good."

"Coach told me to go to quarterback, and we had no touchdowns, so I told the O-line, the whole group, that we were going to go down and score and that's what we did," Cunningham said.

Cunningham may be battling it out for QB3 duties with four-year veteran Trace McSorley. Mac Jones is QB1, and Bailey Zappe seems firmly entrenched as the backup for the time being.

The Patriots front office clearly thinks highly of Cunningham. Per NESN, Cunningham received the most guaranteed money ($200,000) in franchise history for a UDFA. Although Cunningham is considered raw, he put up some eye-popping numbers at Louisville with 38 career rushing touchdowns, 7,889 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns.

Through the ages it seems like the Patriots and Belichick consistently strike gold and find diamonds in the rough, taking chances on raw players with high upside. Cunningham seems like a keeper and yet another gem picked up by Belichick.

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