Page 29 - Malik Cunningham News Today

Hours after Bill Belichick declined to name a starting quarterback, the Patriots hit the field for their first Week 12 practice.

With the New England Patriots' quarterback question still unanswered, veteran third-stringer Will Grier wants a chance to prove his worth.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick declined to reveal his starting quarterback when talking to reporters Tuesday morning, repeating only that all of his players should be prepared when New England comes out of its off week to face the New York Giants on Sunday.

Left tackle Trent Brown was back after missing the team's trip to Germany and only practice last week. Brown had been dealing with an ankle injury and personal situation that kept him out of the Pats' last two games. Running back/wide receiver Ty Montgomery also returned to practice after sitting out last week.

What the Patriots can do the rest of the season can have an impact on the future. That's where all the attention of this down-in-the-dumps outfit should be focused. Let's make three key suggestions on what they SHOULD do and why.

We still don't know who will start for the Patriots against the Giants, but Bill Belichick seemed to confirm one QB won't get the nod.

It remains to be seen just where the New England Patriots will turn at quarterback. But for offensive coordinator Bill OBrien, the practice field is a start.

Cunningham dances around defenders like he's standing on hot coals and clocks a 4.5 when running in a straight line. That ability can unlock new run-game wrinkles and amplify the Patriots' one offensive strength [their rush offense ranks third in Expected Points Added (EPA) and second in success rate since Week 5]. If the Pats intend to play ground and pound against the Giants, pick a quarterback who can power that plan.

Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien revealed that Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Will Grier all took first-team reps at quarterback this week.

Who will start at quarterback for the New England Patriots this week? We still don't know, and it sounds like they don't, either.