Patriots rookie QB is "Trending towards" getting an opportunity

While speaking to the media New England Patriots head coach said that practice squad quarterback/WR Malik Cunningham is "trending towards" getting an opportunity to play. He noted how the young rookie has been making constant improvements throughout the season and that he could get his chance to show it in-game action in the near future.

When the Patriots signed the undrafted free agent out of Louisville, I don't think anyone expected him to see the field in a substantial role during the regular-season action. Most of the training camp Cunningham spent working with the WR's while getting minimal snaps under center for the Patriots. With the struggles on the offensive side of the ball, Coach Belichick has not put the possibility out into the ether that the electrifying rookie could see game action.

During the preseason Cunningham showed flashes of being able to make an impact for the Patriots. Many thought it would be in possible offensive packages, much like the New Orleans Saints use their athletic playmaker Taysom Hill. In the preseason opener versus the Houston Texans, social media went wild for the undrafted rookie as he was making plays using his arm and legs.

I hate to say this as an outside observer but this reeks of desperation. The Patriots offense this season has been ranked amongst the worst offenses in the league in multiple categories, including but not limited to being dead last in points per game. Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien have to be looking for any way to give this offense a possible spark.

While I personally believe the roots of this team's issues are far more than just the quarterback position, I am not sure the real problems are solvable overnight. The problem for Belichick and his staff is they might not have a next year to try to remedy these issues. Reports have suggested that owner Robert Kraft could make major organizational changes based on this dysfunctional season. All in all, Cunningham is not going to solve the lack of punch on the offensive side of the ball, but it would be interesting to see what the rookie could provide to the Patriots offense.