Patriots' Milton: Strong NFL Start

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Post on Jan 06, 2025

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Patriots' Milton: A Strong NFL Start That's Turning Heads

Mac Jones's injury opened the door, and Bailey Zappe stepped up admirably. But now, another young quarterback is making waves in New England: Malik Cunningham. While not the immediate starter, Cunningham's impressive preseason and early-season contributions have Patriots fans buzzing about the future. This article delves into Cunningham's strong start, analyzing his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential within the NFL.

Malik Cunningham's Rise: From Undrafted Free Agent to Potential Star

Cunningham's journey to the Patriots is a testament to hard work and undeniable talent. Undrafted out of Louisville, he initially faced an uphill battle. Many doubted his ability to transition from a college system where he was a dual-threat quarterback to the complexities of the NFL. However, his preseason performance silenced many critics. His electrifying speed, surprising accuracy, and surprising ability to read defenses quickly impressed the coaching staff and fans alike.

Key Strengths Highlighting Cunningham's Potential

• Exceptional Athleticism: Cunningham's speed and agility are his most significant assets. He's a threat to run, keeping defenses honest and opening up passing lanes. His ability to extend plays with his legs is reminiscent of players like Lamar Jackson, although he needs more refinement in his pocket presence.
• Strong Arm: While not possessing a cannon for an arm, Cunningham shows impressive accuracy, particularly on intermediate and short routes. He consistently delivers the ball on target, minimizing interceptions.
• Dual-Threat Capabilities: This is where Cunningham shines. His ability to both pass and run effectively makes him a dynamic offensive weapon, a nightmare for defensive coordinators to plan against. This versatility is a huge asset in today's NFL.
• Improved Decision-Making: While still developing, Cunningham has shown significant improvement in his decision-making. He’s learning when to take risks and when to protect the ball, which is crucial for a young quarterback.

Areas for Improvement: Challenges Ahead

Despite his strong start, Cunningham still has areas needing development:

• Pocket Presence: He needs to improve his ability to stay in the pocket under pressure and go through progressions. His tendency to take off running too early sometimes limits his potential passing opportunities.
• Deep Ball Accuracy: While accurate on shorter throws, his deep-ball accuracy needs refinement. Improving this aspect will significantly enhance his offensive capabilities.
• Consistency: Like many young quarterbacks, Cunningham needs to improve consistency in his performance. He has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to maintain a higher level of play throughout the game.

The Future for Malik Cunningham in New England

Cunningham's strong start is promising. The Patriots have found a gem in this undrafted free agent. While not yet a starter, his potential is undeniable. With continued development and coaching, he could become a significant contributor to the Patriots' offense, perhaps even a future franchise quarterback. His impact on special teams also shouldn't be overlooked; his versatility is a true asset to Bill Belichick's squad.

Comparing Cunningham to Other Young QBs

It’s tempting to compare Cunningham to other mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts. While he possesses similar athleticism, his style is still evolving. He needs to refine his pocket presence and decision-making to reach the elite levels of those established stars.

Conclusion: High Potential, Bright Future

Malik Cunningham's strong NFL start is a captivating storyline. He’s a player to watch closely, someone with the potential to become a major asset for the New England Patriots. His journey demonstrates that hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. The future is bright for this young quarterback, and Patriots fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about what lies ahead.