Reaction and analysis from Patriots' preseason opener
Make no mistake…on what was otherwise a forgettable preseason slog of a summer night in Foxborough, a new, albeit potentially temporary, star was born.
After three quarters of sometimes sloppy, often backup-laden ball, one bright spot shone late for a team in need of a spark, some energy and a playmaker.
During the fourth quarter of Thursday’s 20-9 preseason loss for the New England Patriots against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium, the team, half-empty stadium and fanbase felt the jolt they’d been desperate for all night and offseason long when rookie undrafted free agent quarterback Malik Cunningham led the Patriots down the field for their only touchdown of the night.
Cunningham displayed the type of athleticism that was frequently on display during his years at Louisville, where he played from 2018-22. By now you’ve seen the many highlights of him running, weaving in and out of traffic, scoring touchdowns with his physical gifts the way the previous Louisville QB and current Baltimore Ravens star, Lamar Jackson, did for years for the Cardinals. Yet Jackson was a first-round pick in 2018, and Cunningham as you know by now wasn’t even drafted last April. A fact that still surprises one and many, especially after his breakout performance vs. the Texans.
The comps to Lamar Jackson are obvious and easy. The physical gifts are many. The talent is real. The hype will be massive. The want to see him over Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe will be palpable (let’s just end the Trace McSorley experiment now, OK?). Expectations will start elevating day by day. Phone lines at sports radio will be buzzing all weekend long (“Staht this guy ovah Mac so I don’t fall asleep next Saturday!”) Social media will freak out and treat him as its latest gridiron darling.
But before we anoint him the next thing, a backup QB or even award him a spot on the roster we need to temper expectations a bit…if only for our own sanity. Getting caught up in Malik Mania this early, after one quarter of backyard football against the third stringers of a team likely to finish under .500, can only create expectations that will be almost impossible to live up to. Even if his talent leaves you believing the sky is the limit.
Yes, he’s exciting. Yes, he’s flashy. Yes, he probably is as fast as anyone on the roster and has moves that maybe no other player can imitate, let alone anyone who has the ball in his hands every play. He has versatility and a will to compete, playing both receiver and QB in his pro debut. But he did go undrafted for a reason, and faces a long road ahead to make the 53-man roster…even though our own Mike Kadlick put him on the earliest version of his final roster (and I don’t disagree!).
Cunningham is hardly the most polished passer…the phrase “run-first” comes to mind when you see him in action. Although he did acquit himself pretty well Thursday night when slinging the rock around The Razor.
Preseason is when fans find and fall in love with someone who makes plays, hustles extra hard, leaves it all out there, flashes in times of grueling play and brings some entertainment to the game. And appropriately so! These glorified scrimmages are tuneups for some but battles for the last few roster spots for most. So when someone displays dynamism like Cunningham did, it’s worth taking note and talking about. Facts remain that it’s just easier to splash in the preseason than against the first units, the stars and studs with Sunday talent in the NFL. Hence why a measured approach to Malik Mania might be the dose of reality fans who went crazy for him Thursday night need.
The Pats are likely thinking about how to find a way to get Cunningham more involved the rest of the preseason and showcase why he deserves a roster spot. After all, they did give him the most money they ever awarded an undrafted free agent ($200,000 guaranteed). So they see something special like we did Thursday. Be it QB, WR, special teams, whatever! He’ll get a shot to shine again. It will be an uphill battle even with his first audition being special, and all that online momentum on his side.
But before he’s anointed the next LJ8 or relegated to the ranks of forgotten Foxboro preseason stars who could race and had a rifle arm like Michael Bishop (remember him?), let’s just give this a chance to play out. He’s off to a great start, and his kind of speed, savvy and elusiveness can’t really be taught. And boy could the Pats use it! Just before you tell your friends he’s the future under center for the Pats, or demand the Pro Shop sell you a Cunningham 16 jersey, hold that thought, and maybe put a CUNNINGHAM over the MEYERS on that 16 jersey you were left with this offseason in hopes that it sticks for the long haul.
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