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WATCH: Rookie Malik Cunningham Scores Patriots' Only TD

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham provided the team’s only offensive highlight against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.

Mike D'Abate

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FOXBORO — New England Patriots rookie Malik Cunningham was the first Pats quarterback to the end zone in 2023. 

Albeit in a preseason setting, Cunningham led the Pats on a 14 play, 75-yard drive in an otherwise bland offense effort in the team’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium. 

In addition to rushing for 25 yards to take the pats to the Texans 9-yard line, Cunningham evaded two defenders on a nine-yard run to give New England’s offense its first touchdown of the preseason. 

Alas, it would not be enough to carry the home team to victory, as the Patriots dropped the contest to the Texans 20-9. 

After signing him to a lucrative free agent deal [by undrafted rookie standards,] Cunningham remains one of the more intriguing players on the Pats roster. His dual-threat abilities as a quarterback were likely a significant factor in his appeal to the Patriots. The former Louisville Cardinal started 47 during his six years with the program. He completed 692 passes (62.6 percent) for 9,664 yards, 70 touchdowns compared to 29 interceptions. On the ground, Cunningham proved to be equally — if not more— effective, compiling 3,184 yards and scoring 50 touchdowns on 619 rushing attempts. 

Still, Cunningham’s size (6-0, 192 pounds) and questions surrounding his accuracy have led many to believe that he may be best suited for a positional change at the pro level. Having previously been considered for both safety and receiver in the past, the switch could facilitate his securing a roster spot for 2023. Cunningham began camp by taking most of his reps at receiver. However, his snaps at quarterback have increased during the team’s most reset practices. Should that trend continue on Thursday, he may be in line to compete with veteran Trace McSorley for the third spot on the depth chart. 

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Mike D'Abate
MIKE D'ABATE

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