FOXBORO — Sunday’s 6-0 loss to the Chargers served as a tease for Patriots followers determined to see what the crew’s struggling offense would appear like with rookie Malik Cunningham concerned.
Cunningham, who has practiced at quarterback and huge receiver this season, was elevated from the observe squad this week however was one in every of three gamers, together with benched quarterback Mac Jones and rookie heart Jake Andrews who didn’t enter the sport. He advised the Herald after the sport that there was a package deal of performs for him within the gameplan.
“We did what we thought was best,” head coach Bill Belichick stated after the shutout loss when requested if there was any considered inserting Cunningham to supply a set off of the bench.
Belichick was requested a follow-up query about why he thought maintaining Cunningham, a school quarterback who has largely transformed to huge receiver within the NFL, on the bench was greatest for the crew.
“I think we had times where we got things going. We wanted to try to stay with what we were doing,” Belichick stated.
The Patriots by no means acquired contained in the pink zone. The closest they acquired was with 6:58 left within the recreation once they turned the ball over on downs from the Chargers’ 30-yard line. Starting quarterback Bailey Zappe went 13-of-25 for 141 yards. Four of the Patriots’ 11 drives resulted in a three-and-out, they usually ran only one play of their last offensive sequence earlier than the half.
This was simply the second time Cunningham was on the gameday roster this season. Belichick was requested if the crew had a plan for Cunningham when he was elevated on Saturday.
“Plan for Malik’s if we put him in there to do the things that he does, be ready to go,” Belichick stated.
One principle about Cunningham’s lack of enjoying time is that his package deal was red-zone particular. Another principle is that the Patriots weren’t assured in his ball safety in Sunday’s inclement climate.
Belichick was requested if Cunningham would have entered the sport if the Patriots acquired into the pink zone.
“Look, I mean, there’s a million hypothetical questions that we could talk about,” Belichick stated. “What happened happened.”
The Patriots play Thursday evening in opposition to the Steelers. Belichick wouldn’t announce a beginning quarterback after the sport.
Source: www.bostonherald.com