FOXBORO, Mass. — When the New England Patriots needed a spark on offense, Malik Cunningham answered the call. 

While Cunningham has spent the majority of training camp playing at receiver, the last few days saw him return to his college position. And Thursday night was no different, with Cunningham coming in during the fourth quarter as the quarterback. 

And he didn't waste any time, recording the Patriots' only touchdown of the night after he saw the Texans defensive line "part like the red sea."

"Without the help of the O-Line, I wouldn't be able to do it," Cunningham said. "I told the O-Line, that we're gonna go down to score and that's what we did."

Cunningham was prepared to go in at quarterback, with Bill Belichick having told the rookie during the week that he had to be ready. And it was something that was on the Houston Texans' radar. 

"We thought it would be a possibility for him to come in at quarterback," Texans head coach Demeco Ryans said. "Cunningham is a really good athlete, made some nice plays there at the end, running the ball. It's a really dynamic playmaker there at quarterback."

Also playing as a receiver earlier in the game, Cunningham was a shining point throughout and Belichick spoke about his contributions. 

"Yeah, did a nice job. Showed some poise out there, some toughness. Moved the team. That was nice. Did a nice job," Belichick said. "That's his opportunity. He's done a good job with it. He's embraced it, he's worked hard, and he's improved a lot as a receiver. Snaps he's had at quarterback in practice and tonight, he's done a pretty good job."

The undrafted free agent out of Louisville has certainly earned a lot of attention throughout the spring and summer, switching from quarterback to receiver. With many comparing him to Julian Edelman, who also made that switch, Cunningham is stepping up to the challenge. 

"I just feel like my running ability gave it a little bit more options on offense to open it up, so they didn't know if we were gonna pass or rush," Cunningham said. "Whatever the coaches need me to do, I'm going to do it for the team."

However, one of the craziest moments of the game occurred when Cunningham was at quarterback. Running towards the sideline, Cunningham's helmet was ripped off his head for a very clear face mask call. 

"That was crazy though," Cunningham said about the aggressive play. 

Yet regardless, one thing was clear: Cunningham is off to a pretty good start and is making a strong case to earn a roster spot. And while his exact position isn't clear, Cunningham has shown that he can do both. 

Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports