New England Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

With nothing to lose, stumbling Patriots should make another QB change

By Pierce Downey | Last updated 12/6/23

The New England Patriots have shuffled between quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones this season, but neither has shown he is the team's long-term answer at the position.

Jones, who began the season as starter, has 10 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in 11 games. Zappe, who started in a dreadful Week 13 shutout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, has two interceptions and no TD passes in five appearances this season.

With the season unsalvageable, the Patriots (2-10) should see what they have in rookie Malik Cunningham, their only other QB on the roster.

Cunningham, who has played only six snaps all season, isn't New England's long-term answer at the position either. Head coach Bill Belichick, however, should see what he can do during a regular-season game, starting with Thursday night at Pittsburgh.

In a preseason game against the Houston Texans, Cunningham tantalized Patriots fans with a highlight touchdown.

Get to know Malik Cunningham ⬇️

: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/7TXlyREFdX
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023

Offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has lauded Cunningham as a "very bright guy," but the team has waived the rookie from Louisville twice this season.

At Louisville, Cunningham was an escape artist in the pocket, often making highlight plays with his legs. He ranks second all time at Louisville for rushing touchdowns, behind Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

MALIK CUNNINGHAM UP AND OVER FOR THE @UofLFootball TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/vYRzXzC2UL
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 18, 2021

Malik Cunningham looking over his shoulder for the final 10 yards of this touchdown run is a whole VIBE

CFB Live Blog: https://t.co/hXJg4VxML9 pic.twitter.com/gnU8vkAdE7
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 24, 2022

The strong-armed QB also is the only player in Louisville history to have nine pass completions of at least 75 yards.

Cunningham's skills are precisely what the Patriots should be looking for. New England lacks a stable offensive line — which is not ideal for pocket passers like Zappe and Jones. It also lacks playmakers, especially after running back Rhamondre Stevenson's recent injury, which will sideline him for "a few weeks," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cunningham's elusiveness, in particular, might lighten the load on a beleaguered offensive line and possibly spark an offense that's the worst in the league in scoring (12.3 PPG).

The Patriots — who are one game back from the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — have nothing to lose. Why not give Cunningham a shot?

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