Patriots Country

Patriots-Texans Notebook: Late 'Malik Magic' Raises Eyebrows, Expectations?

Though the New England Patriots dropped their preseason opener to the Houston Texans, a handful of standout performances provide positive vibes heading into a week of joint practices in Green Bay.

Mike D'Abate

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FOXBORO — While the New England Patriots may not have taken a victory from the mist-covered field at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night, there were some drops of promise for the home team.

New England dropped its preseason opener to the Houston Texans 20-9, failing to find the end zone until their final drive of the fourth quarter. 

Still, the Pats were likely encouraged by a pair of standout performances on defense, along with an auspicious debut from an undrafted rookie quarterback.  

Before turning their attention to preseason game 2 against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 19, here are some observations from New England’s loss to the Texans. 

Malik Cunningham is Exciting

Despite an anemic performance from the Patriots offense through three-plus quarters, the Pats undrafted rookie ended the night on a high note. Leading the Pats on a 75-yard drive, Cunningham rushed five times for 34 yards, while completing 3 of 4 passed for 19 yards. The Louisville product was unfazed by losing his helmet on a tackle by Texans defensive back Jacobi Francis on 2nd and 13 at the 50. Cunningham bounced back by throwing a bolt to receiver Tre Nixon in the end zone, which slipped through the wideout’s fingers. Cunningham capped the drive by evading two defenders on a nine-yard run to give New England’s offense its first touchdown of the preseason. Though he may have taken most of his snaps at receiver throughout training camp, his performance on Thursday appears to have earned him additional looks at quarterback in the coming days. 

Keion White is a Force

Known primarily for his toughness, White aligned in multiple settings against the Texans. The 6-4, 290-pounder spent much of his time at outside linebacker, set in a three-point stance, and rushing the passer. Though he was credited with three total tackles, his most notable highlight came on a crushing hit of Houston rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud on a bootleg. 

Having a clear need at the edge, the Patriots filled it nicely with White, who projects as a 5-technique defensive end. He continues to exhibit both physical size and athleticism. Though he should see most of his time at the edge, he has the versatility move all over the defensive front. White is still considered a developmental talent as a pass-rush prospect. However, he can also be an immediate contributor against the run, provided he is placed on the edges. He clearly proved that on Thursday night. 

O-Line, Stock Down 

With each of their presumed starters sidelined, the Patriots primarily fielded an offensive line consisting of Conor McDermott at left tackle, Atonio Mafi at left guard, James Ferentz at center, Kody Russey at right guard and Sidy Sow at right tackle. The unit struggled mightily to provide adequate pass protection and run blocking. New England’s offense was only able to muster 3.7 yards-per-play, with only 3.1 yards-per-rush. The Pats line particularly had difficulty opening lanes for their running backs, routinely looking overmatched in tight-yardage situations. The return of New England’s top linemen should improve their performance. However, New England should want — and frankly must receive — better output from their reserves heading into the regular season. 

Safety First for Jalen Mills

Having been heavily rumored for a position switch, Mills looked very much at home while aligning at the safety position against Houston. He earned an interception of Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud by jumping a pass intended for receiver Tank Dell, while compiling three tackles in the first half. 

Playing predominately at outside corner in 2022, Mills logged  31 tackles, five pass break-ups and intercept two passes. In the process, he held opposing quarterbacks to completing only 27-of-45 for 333 yards when targeting him. However, Mills appears to be returning to a a role which yielded his best statistical season. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, he accounted for 74 combined tackles , 1.5 sacks and an interception while aligning mostly at box or free safety. Based on his usage on Thursday, Mills appears ready to play a major role at safety in 2023. 

Stat of the Night, Play of the Night?

Of the 65 total yards earned by the Pats in the first half, 27 came on one play — a completion from quarterback Bailey Zappe to receiver Tyquan Thornton, in which the Pats second-year speedster made a leaping grab for the completion. 

In short, Thornton made a statement when it was most-needed. 

Heading into Thursday’s game, Thornton has seen the field sporadically throughout camp, presumedly due to a “soft-tissue” injury reducing his workload. In his absence, both Douglas and Boutte have begun to emerge as prime candidates for roster spots — potentially at Thornton’s expense.

While Cunningham’s final drive will deservedly be remembered as the story of this game, Thornton’s catch served as a reminder of his athleticism, as well as his potential in this offense.

Injury Report: 

Carl Davis, Jr. suffered a leg injury in the first half. After remaining on the ground for a moment, Davis walked to the sidelines where he was attended to by trainers. 

Kody Russey incurred an undisclosed injury on a run play early in the second half. Russey lingered face down on the turf before heading to the sideline. After he was checked out by the training staff, Russey headed to the locker room for further evaluation. 

Up Next: 

The Patriots are expected to return to the practice fields in Foxboro before heading to Wisconsin for joint practices with the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17. Their preseason game against the Packers will take place at Lambeau Field on Aug. 19

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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Mike D'Abate
MIKE D'ABATE

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