Louisville QB Malik Cunningham Impresses in Preseason Debut
Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham, who went undrafted in the NFL Draft earlier this year, made a strong first impression in his preseason debut with the New England Patriots. Despite being fourth on the depth chart, Cunningham led the Patriots on their only touchdown-scoring drive against the Houston Texans. He completed three of his four passes for 19 yards and rushed for 34 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown run.
An Undrafted Free Agent’s Opportunity
Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent is a challenging endeavor. Players in this position must seize every opportunity that comes their way in order to have a chance at making the final 53-man roster. Malik Cunningham understood this and made the most of his opportunity to showcase his skills in the preseason game. His performance not only caught the attention of the fans but also earned praise from sports commentators. Pat McAfee, for example, expressed surprise that Cunningham went undrafted and questioned how there could have been 259 players chosen ahead of him.
A Record-Breaking Career at Louisville
Cunningham’s performance in the preseason game is all the more impressive when we consider his achievements during his college career at the University of Louisville. Despite dealing with injuries and having a slightly down season in 2022, he managed to rewrite the Cardinals’ record books. He finished his career with 120 touchdowns responsible for, surpassing Louisville legend Lamar Jackson for the most in school history. Cunningham’s 12,848 career yards rank second to Jackson, and his 50 career rushing touchdowns are tied with the former Heisman Trophy winner. His overall statistics place him in the top five in various categories, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing yards.
The Dual-Threat Quarterback
Cunningham’s abilities as a dual-threat quarterback were on full display in the preseason game. He showcased his passing skills, completing the majority of his attempts, and also demonstrated his agility and athleticism with a nine-yard rushing touchdown. Throughout his college career, Cunningham consistently proved to be both a competent passer and a dynamic runner. In his best season, 2021, he finished fifth in the ACC in rushing yards and fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns, while also maintaining a high completion rate and throwing for over 2,900 yards.
Looking Ahead
Cunningham’s impressive preseason debut has certainly put him on the radar of the Patriots coaching staff and NFL scouts. As a player who went undrafted, every opportunity to prove himself is crucial. While he faces stiff competition for a spot on the final roster, his performance in the preseason opener has undoubtedly given him a strong start. It remains to be seen how Cunningham will fare in the upcoming preseason games and whether he will be able to continue making strides towards securing a spot on the Patriots’ roster.
Conclusion
Malik Cunningham’s performance in his preseason debut with the New England Patriots has caught the attention of football fans and experts. His ability to make an impact both as a passer and a runner highlights his versatility and potential in the NFL. While there are no guarantees in professional sports, Cunningham’s strong showing in his first opportunity proves that he has the talent and determination to compete at the highest level. As he continues his journey in the NFL, all eyes will be on him to see if he can build on his preseason success and carve out a successful career in the league.
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The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
