Foxborough, MA — Malik Cunningham‘s journey in the professional football league has been a testament to his resilience and potential. As a quarterback for the New England Patriots, Cunningham has navigated his rookie season with the kind of grit that undrafted players often need to prove their worth in the league.
Early Life and College Career
Born on October 6, 1998, in Montgomery, Alabama, Cunningham’s football journey began in the South, where football is a way of life. He honed his skills at Louisville, a college known for producing top-tier football talent. Despite his college pedigree, Cunningham entered the professional ranks without the fanfare of a draft pick, which often means a harder path to the spotlight.
Season Summary
Cunningham’s rookie season statistics reflect a player finding his footing amidst the giants of the game. Over five games, he completed 90 out of 147 passes, a completion rate of 61.2%. He threw for 1,091 yards, averaging 218.2 yards per game, with a total of 9 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. His quarterback rating (QBR) stood at 87.4, a respectable figure for a newcomer adjusting to the league’s pace and intensity.
His rushing stats, albeit less frequent, were impressive. Cunningham rushed 9 times for 135 yards, averaging a remarkable 15.0 yards per carry, and scored a rushing touchdown. This dual-threat capability is a valuable asset in the modern game, where quarterbacks with the ability to scramble and make plays with their legs are increasingly prized.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Cunningham’s performance varied from game to game, as is often the case with rookies. In Week 5 against New Orleans, he completed 23 of 36 passes for 271 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His best game, arguably, came in Week 4 against Dallas, where he boasted a 77.8% completion rate and a QBR of 138.8, throwing for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns, and rushing for an impressive 69 yards with a touchdown.
However, like any rookie, he had his struggles. Against the New York Jets in Week 3, his completion rate dipped to 47.4%, and he threw for 236 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. Consistency will be key for Cunningham as he continues to develop at the professional level.
Player Traits
Cunningham’s player traits reflect a balanced approach to the game. He is not labeled as clutch yet, which is understandable for a player just starting out. His style is scrambling, which aligns with his rushing numbers, and he has an ideal sense of pressure. He’s known for throwing a tight spiral and fighting for extra yards, traits that coaches and fans alike will appreciate.
Looking Forward
For Malik Cunningham, the future holds promise. His rookie season has laid a foundation upon which he can build. His ability to adapt and grow will determine his trajectory in the league. With a normal development rate, the expectation is that he will continue to refine his skills, learn from each snap, and perhaps become a leading figure for the Patriots in the coming seasons.
Cunningham’s journey is a reminder that in football, as in life, the path to success is not always linear. It’s paved with hard knocks, unexpected turns, and opportunities that are seized. As he continues to carve out his place in the league, Malik Cunningham represents the undrafted dream — the belief that with talent, determination, and the right opportunity, anything is possible.
