‘He came in and did a phenomenal job’ – Patriots players react to Malik Cunningham’s stellar exhibition in preseason

Malik Cunningham was a standout in the New England Patriots’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Thursday.

Despite not onto the field until late in the fourth quarter, the undrafted rookie added some much-needed energy to the Patriots offense.

With a 9-yard rush that included a rather successful juke, he even scored New England’s first and only touchdown. Following the play, social media exploded with reactions, and even Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was pleased.

Cunningham completed three of four ball attempts for 19 yards, with Tre Nixon dropping a touchdown throw in the end zone. In limited snaps, he also rushed for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Following the Patriots’ 20-9 loss to the Texans, here’s how the team’s players reacted to Cunningham’s preseason debut.

QB Bailey Zappe

“Malik came in and did a fantastic job; he had a lot of drive.” Scored the game’s lone touchdown. Did exceptionally well in both the run and pass games. It was wonderful to see him accomplish it. To be able to go out there and kind of put the butterflies aside and play like he did, especially in his first game in the NFL, was really impressive. I’m sure he experienced those small butterflies, little jitters the first play or so, just like everyone else. He became more at ease with it as the drive progressed. It was great to see him score a touchdown and how pleased he was.”

CB Christian Gonzalez“It was a lot of fun to see him come out there and just ball.” It was entertaining to watch. Super lovely man that is always talking and has a lot of energy. It was a lot of pleasure on the sidelines to see him be able to go out and do that, and I am delighted for him.”

WR Tyquan Thornton“I watched him in college when he was at Louisville, so we already knew what he was capable of, but it’s great to see him do it tonight.” It was a lot of fun to watch. I know a lot of guys in this room that have big aspirations for him right now.

DB Jalen Mills“Malik is a young man who comes in every day super humble, works hard in practice, and gives his all.” You want to see you guys make that transition from quarterback to wide receiver and now back to quarterback. To witness that, and to watch him execute well and get into the end zone, you have to be thrilled for a man like him.”

OL Andrew Stueber“We were all excited out there. You watched him pass the ball to Jake [Andrews], who spiked it. We’re all thrilled to see another man prosper and thrive. It had a fantastic offensive unit out there, and the final push of the drive was a collective effort. It was wonderful to watch him score.”