Patriots quarterback's preseason performance opens up new competition

Nearly all of Cunningham's damage to the defense was done with his legs, however. On five carries, Cunningham accounted for 34 rushing yards and an ankle-breaking touchdown that brought life into Gillette Stadium.

Before the game, Cunningham was listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the team's unofficial depth chart, but the combination of third-string QB Trace McSorely's uneventful performance—1-of-3 for four passing yards—and Cunningham's excellence may mean that a change in the depth chart is imminent. 

The extent of the change Cunningham will bring to the QB room remains the question. Second-stringer Bailey Zappe struggled to begin training camp and also failed to make a meaningful impact in the Patriots' first preseason game, but as of now, his job seems untouchable to Cunningham because of Zappe's successful rookie season. If Zappe's stock continues to plummet and Cunningham's begins to rise, however, then things may drastically change in the coming weeks. 

The Patriots' next chance to evaluate their backup quarterbacks will come on August 19, when they face the Green Bay Packers for their second game of preseason at 8 PM EST.