FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts. – Quick thoughts and notes about the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. Cunningham at QB: The Patriots have had an undrafted free agent on their opening 53-man roster for 19 straight years, and he is tied with the Broncos for the longest streak in the NFL.
In the younger-than-usual class of 2023, Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham represents the best chance of continuing that streak — and the potential as a dual-threat option is intriguing.
“He’s going to be one of the most dynamic players when he’s on the field,” said Lance Taylor, Cunningham’s offensive coordinator at Louisville last season and currently head coach of Western Michigan. “He can turn a bad play into a home run and special play faster than anyone I’ve seen, especially as a quarterback. He’s one of a kind with his skills.
“I’ve been lucky to be around some quarterbacks, with Cam Newton, the Jets in the Rex Ryan era, and some great college quarterbacks. He’s one of the most dynamic and explosive playmakers you’ll ever have.”
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Cunningham has started 47 games at Louisville, where former Patriots receiver Deion Branch serves as director of player development and alumni relations. He had been offered a scholarship from Alabama as a safety but chose Louisville because he wanted to play quarterback and follow in the footsteps of Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
He finished his career with 692 of 1,105 for 9,664 yards with 70 touchdowns and 29 interceptions, but was the most agile and quick ball carrier of all, totaling 619 carries for 3,184 yards and 50 touchdowns.
The Patriots, who finished 32nd in the red last season, 28th in first downs, and scored just 31 offensive touchdowns, could benefit from the kind of hype Cunningham delivered in college.
New offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien may have had an option package to read. Maybe it’s a tool game for a must-have situation. It could be game planning and helping the defense when preparing to take on dynamic quarterbacks like the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, starting in Week 1. Or it could be as simple as feeding into the midfield pipeline, which is always a good job given the value of the position.
Cunningham currently sits at No. 4 on the New England depth chart behind Mack Jones, Bailey Zabby and the recently signed Trace McSorley. The Patriots have carried three quarterbacks to their Opening Day roster each of the past four seasons, so there’s a clear path for the Montgomery, Alabama, native to jump on McSorley and keep the team’s undrafted streak alive.
“I think he’s a quarterback, first and foremost. He has the skills and tools to play at that level,” Taylor said. “Whatever role he’s asked to play, he’ll thrive in it. This is something I found with him, there was nothing we could give him that he couldn’t do or figure out and be good at.”
A team captain in 2022, Cunningham is one of the most sought after draft free agents. His contract included $200,000 in guaranteed money, the equivalent of a late draft pick.
“Malik is a great leader, prepares the right way, loves football, and is a great teammate,” said Taylor. “He’s a quiet leader, but when needed, he can certainly take the lead and be that forthcoming presence.
“I think one of the things that stood out to me when I first met him was, we were going through summer conditioning training and he wins every single workout with the receivers, the linebackers and the catchy guys, the fastest guys on our team. He’s competitive.”
2. Goodbye: The Patriots do not play an opponent going bye in 2023, which some see as an advantage due to convenience considerations. In contrast, the Rams and 49ers play at the highest level in the league. This is the first time since 2013 that the Patriots will not face an opponent coming off a bye, according to an ESPN analysis.
3. Under-the-Radar Rookies: Cristian Gonzalez was a first-round pick and the rest of the Patriots’ rookie class arrived in town last week for the remainder of the spring, and like every team except the Rams, they’ve been to their rookie mini-camp. Never shy away from being apart, Coach Bill Belichick was one of the few coaches who kept junior camp workouts closed to reporters. Only the Patriots, Ravens and Raiders have closed rookie practice to reporters. Belichick will open the training to reporters on May 25 for the first time.
4. The Patriots Legacy: How did the NFL schedule makers see the Patriots exit in the 8-9 season? “They have one game just about everywhere — on both prime-time packages, one international, one potential NFL Network, one CBS doubleheader, one Fox doubleheader,” Onnie Bose, vice president of broadcasting, said of putting the New England schedule together. – And I think this is an illustration of a team that can play in many places. The team’s legacy and competitiveness from the East Asian region plays a role in that.”
5. The Brady Bucks: Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux joked that Tom Brady’s home opener for the Patriots against the Eagles, as part of an invitation from owner Robert Kraft so fans could thank him, means it’s going to be a hot ticket. Turns out it’s currently the most requested ticket for the entire NFL season. According to Vivid Seats, the average game ticket is $807, followed by the Cowboys at 49 players ($501). “We want to win every game, but in that game we definitely have to win,” Godchaux said.
6. Off-season registration: There was a moment in the Patriots’ media workroom last week reflecting on one of the primary benefits of the offseason voluntary team program (which enters its fifth week on Monday). It came as linebacker/captain Ja’Whaun Bentley was answering questions from reporters and starting linebacker/special team player Chris Board waited to the side. Bentley was asked about the board, which led to a chuckle between the two. As Bentley later said, a successful off-season program is when players begin to build bonds that can carry them into the season.
7. Mac on the go: Running back James Robinson, who signed a two-year contract with the Patriots in free agency, noticed Jones at quarterback in the team’s offseason program. “This guy can run for a long time,” Robinson said with a laugh. Robinson wasn’t the only Patriot to notice Jones’ conditioning and work ethic this season, but something of note may also have been what another person close to Jones reported: Jones’ day-to-day behavior seemed to be closer to what his teammates witnessed in his successful breakout season. struggle last season.
8. They Said So: At the end of draft day, [Patriots president] Jonathan [Kraft] And I was talking, and I said, “That was a great draft, great. I’m really optimistic about the team.” He said: You say that every year! But I really believe it. We were able to get the top seven picks that we selected before the draft. I think it gives us a good balance of our needs. I think our free agent pickups and getting Bill O’Brien would make a huge difference.” —Owner Robert Kraft on NFL Network
9 – Belichick and Navy: Due to his close ties to the US Naval Academy, a worst-case scenario for Belichick was for the Patriots to play a road game on December 10, which would mean he would travel with the team during the annual Army-Navy game, which would be held at Gillette Stadium on December 9. Instead, the Patriots visit the Steelers on Thursday, December 7, creating a mini weekend for Belichick to enjoy the lore-rich game at his home stadium.
10. Did you know?: The last time the Patriots started a season at home against an NFC team—as it will in 2023 with a visit from the NFC champion Eagles—was in 2000. That was Belichick’s first year as a coach; New England lost at home to Tampa Bay 21-16. Furthermore, with the team hosting Miami in Week 2, this season marks the first time since 1995 that a team will open with two straight home games.