Malik Cunningham made the most of his opportunity in the New England Patriots’ preseason game against the Houston Texans. For Head Coach Bill Belichick’s team, his versatility could prove to be an interesting option in the future.

The New England Patriots lost their preseason game against the Houston Texans by a clear 9:20, but despite the defeat one player was able to attract attention: Rookie Malik Cunningham.

The 24-year-old started the game as a wide receiver on a few snaps and did not record a catch. In the fourth quarter, Cunningham switched to quarterback and completed three of four passes for 19 passing yards. He also led the team in the running game, recording five carries for 34 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Cunningham earned much praise for his unusual performance after the game: “This is his chance. He did a good job,” Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick raved about his protégé, who is currently being retrained by the Patriots from quarterback to wide receiver.

“He’s embraced it, he’s worked hard and he’s improved a lot as a receiver. In the stints at quarterback in practice and tonight, he did a pretty good job,” Belichick continued.

New England Patriots: Malik Cunningham creates hype on social media

Cunningham’s performance created a lot of hype on social media. Numerous fans were already comparing the youngster to Taysom Hill, the New Orleans Saints’ all-purpose offensive weapon, because of his unique skillset. However, countless users also saw parallels to the strong-running former MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

Some Patriots supporters may also have been reminded of franchise legend Julian Edelman, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2009 and subsequently retrained as a return specialist and wide receiver.

Cunningham himself, however, was unfazed by the hype surrounding him: “It feels good. I’m a rugged player and a team player. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I’ll do it for the team.”

“Coach told me to play quarterback and we didn’t have any touchdowns, so I told the O-line and the whole team that we’re going to work our way down the field and score – and we did,” the youngster assessed his first appearance in the NFL.

Malik Cunningham was Lamar Jackson’s successor in college

In May, Cunningham was signed by New England as an undrafted free agent to a three-year contract worth approximately $2.7 million.

Previously, the versatile offensive player played for the Louisville Cardinals, throwing for 9,660 passing yards and 70 passing touchdowns in five seasons there and running for another 3,179 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. At the college in Louisville, Cunningham had succeeded Ravens star Jackson, of all people, in 2018.

And Jackson did not miss the strong performance of his position colleague. The 26-year-old responded via “X” to a Cunningham clip posted by the NFL, referring to the Patriots player as his “broski. “

Broski⛽️⛽️ @MalikMalikc10 https://t.co/fQlvz9RIYI

– Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) August 11, 2023

New England Patriots: Malik Cunningham impresses with versatility

With his athleticism and versatility, Cunningham clearly stands out from his position-mates and could compete with Trace McSorley for the third quarterback spot on the team behind Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, or possibly earn a roster spot as a wide receiver.

With his polyvalence as a dual-threat quarterback and receiver, the rookie presents numerous interesting options for the Patriots offense, which could benefit from his special skills and incorporate a trick play or two into the playbook.

Cunningham himself is aware of his qualities, but at the same time is grateful for the unique opportunity: “Is it difficult? No, I feel like I’m a very smart, intelligent guy. But the coaches have done a good job explaining everything to me and helping me learn. “