The Houston Texans walked into Gillette Stadium and pushed the New England Patriots’ flimsy offensive line around for a 20-9 victory in Thursday’s preseason opener.
It was an unbearable effort from the Patriots offensively until fourth string quarterback Malik Cunningham made it interesting in the fourth quarter. The former Louisville quarterback had been taking reps at receiver throughout training camp. He was even in at the skilled position earlier in the game against the Texans.
But it was under center where he turned a dull offensive performance into a popcorn moment. With the offensive line breaking down around him, he took matters into his own hands by rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown to give the Patriots their first and only touchdown of the game.
.@MalikMalikc10 breaking ankles.
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/kIMDON1Pe8
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 11, 2023
It’s important to keep things in context. Cunningham was playing late in a preseason game against the Texans’ reserve defensive unit. However, it’s impossible not to walk away from this game feeling impressed by his effort.
Before his touchdown run, he had a sure-fire throw in the end zone with perfect touch, while on the move, but wideout Tre Nixon dropped the pass.
Not much else happened on the offensive side of the ball for New England.
Of course, it was a different story defensively as always with veteran safety Jalen Mills intercepting Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud on the very first drive of the game. And Patriots rookie defensive end Keion White was dominating in the trenches and consistently pressuring Stroud.
Mills looked solid in his return at safety, and White looked like an absolute monster in the making for the Patriots’ defense.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez was credited with three total tackles, and he punched out a ball that rolled out of bounds on a play. So overall, the rookie first-round draft pick had a good debut as well. The Patriots did struggle, however, guarding Texans’ wideout Tank Dell on the backend. Houston’s rookie receiver hauled in five receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown.
Mac Jones and the rest of the starters took the night off, which was probably a good decision in hindsight. The last thing the Patriots needed was their starting quarterback playing behind that makeshift offensive line.
With the opener in the rearview, it’s back to the drawing board at training camp for the Patriots, who are slated for a road game against the Green Bay Packers next Saturday night.
