Patriots' Bill Belichick explains Malik Cunningham decision

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick somewhat explained why he made undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham his primary backup quarterback behind starter Mac Jones for what became Sunday's 21-17 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders. 

"Malik’s improved a lot during the course of the year, both as a receiver and in the kicking game and some of the snaps that he’s taken at quarterback," Belichick said on Monday morning, per Nick O'Malley of MassLive. "Didn’t really get too much of a chance to see him yesterday. It was tough situation...He’s been good to work with. He’s made a lot of improvement and we’ll see where it goes." 

New England surprisingly waived both Cunningham and fellow backup Bailey Zappe after the preseason but ultimately re-signed them to the practice squad ahead of Week 1.

Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald raised eyebrows when they reported last week that "team sources" said at that time that Zappe and 2019 third-round draft pick Will Grier were deemed "unfit" to play despite Jones' many struggles throughout the season, and Cunningham recorded a total of six offensive snaps in the loss to Las Vegas that dropped the Patriots to 1-5. 

Cunningham was on the field as a decoy when the Patriots notched a rushing touchdown and was also sacked for a five-yard loss. Jones, meanwhile, tossed a brutal interception and took a late sack for a safety in the defeat.