When Malik Cunningham was elevated from the practice squad and signed to a three-year deal last week, it was hard not to be excited about how the talented rookie might be unleashed.
Though Cunningham’s debut in Las Vegas was limited — he played only six snaps at quarterback, did not attempt a pass and was sacked once for five yards — the New England Patriots still have big plans for the versatile weapon.
Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said Tuesday they anticipate using Cunningham in a variety of roles, with his usage evolving week to week depending on the matchup.
“You could see him at different spots throughout the offense obviously other than offensive line, he can play a lot of different places,” O’Brien said on Tuesday. “So it will be week to week based on the gameplan and we’re pretty early in this week so I don’t think we have any idea where that will be this week.”
During the preseason Cunningham demonstrated a knack for making plays all over the field. The Louisville product got six carries for 35 yards with a touchdown in the running game and was also targeted nine times in the passing game, though he only completed one catch for minus-1 yards.
O’Brien said they’ve already installed a package they hope can maximize his unique talents.
“You put together a package of plays and you try not to overload him, and they’re plays within our system, so these aren’t brand new plays,” O’Brien said. “He’s a very bright guy, he does a good job, he knows the plays and he’s gotten better every week.”
Against Las Vegas, Cunningham was immediately elevated to back-up quarterback ahead of usual No. 2 Bailey Zappe, who was relegated to emergency QB duty. O’Brien said that decision shouldn’t be viewed as an indictment of Zappe and the team could go in a different direction if the circumstances call for it.
“For that week, for that game that’s what we decided to do,” O’Brien said. “We haven’t lost any confidence in Bailey, we felt that was the best way to go about it for the Raider game based on where we were from an injury standpoint, how do we get Malik Cunningham into the game and that was the best way to get him into the game.”
Is it possible that may at some point involve Cunningham getting the start at quarterback? Maybe, but asked if Mac Jones will remain the starter this weekend against Buffalo, O’Brien emphatically said “yes.”
