Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham hasn’t been seen since the preseason, but it sounds like he’s been quietly making an impact behind the scenes.
With New England facing the New Orleans Saints last weekend, Cunningham was apparently called on to play quarterback for the club’s scout team in preparation for that contest.
Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien talked about that role earlier this week, with Cunningham apparently building some momentum and catching the eye of the coaching staff after giving them a good look readying themselves to deal with the Saints’ Taysom Hill.
“Malik did a good job in the preseason. Malik works very hard. He does a good job on the practice squad,” said O’Brien. “Plays a lot of receiver. [He] played some quarterback last week mimicking Taysom Hill. But yeah, he does a really good job and he’s continued to improve.”
“He’s probably one of the most improved practice squad players that we have. So, good guy to work with.”
New England’s defense looked well-prepared for Hill, who was held mostly in check save for one run. That’s likely thanks to the look Cunningham provided to their defense, and clearly, having someone like him is quietly paying dividends.
As to whether or not we’ll see him under center at some point, that remains to be seen. So far, it’s been Baily Zappe who has been active as the club’s back up on game days, with Will Grier as the Patriots’ emergency quarterback.
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