The preseason is a critical time for NFL teams, allowing them to assess key position battles and make strategic decisions based on players' performances. For the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most significant battles is the contest for the backup quarterback role behind their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott. This year, the competition features Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, both of whom bring unique qualities to the table.
Rush's Steadfast Consistency
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. Despite his humble beginnings, Rush has proven himself to be a reliable backup for the Cowboys. Dallas triumphed in five of Rush's six starts when he stepped in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This preseason, Rush continued to demonstrate his capabilities by completing three of six passes for 50 yards.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been vocal about his confidence in Rush. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game. I think if you look at his snaps that he has had this year, definitely quality over quantity. That's by design with what we've got going on with Dak and Trey. This is clearly, in my time with him, his best camp. His decision-making has been on point. I think his footwork and some of the things he's done have been impressive," McCarthy stated.
Jerry Jones, the team's owner and general manager, echoed McCarthy's sentiments, saying, "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Lance's Potential and Promise
Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. At just 24 years old, Lance is considerably younger than Rush and is still in the developmental phase of his career. He threw his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly to the team's future.
Despite his talent, Lance still has room for improvement, a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by Jerry Jones. "I saw obvious improvement. That's promising because he does have a lot of improvement to have, but he's got all the tools. He's got the mettle. You saw that mettle clicking in and adjustments that he hadn’t made, let’s say as early as the week before. That's pretty promising the way he played out there Saturday," Jones remarked.
However, integrating Lance into the team and ensuring he gets ample practice reps without negatively impacting Prescott or Rush is a delicate balance. "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" Jones pondered.
Looking Forward
The final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will be another opportunity for the Cowboys to evaluate their quarterback depth. Jerry Jones has made it clear that Trey Lance will be on the 53-man roster. "I'd like to see us really be able to have our quarterbacking depth. Specifically talking about No. 19 [Lance]. ... I'd like to see him get some more work in this weekend, that would be number one. Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he's going to be on the 53," Jones confirmed.
As the regular season approaches, the Cowboys are in the fortunate position of having three capable quarterbacks. "I think just like anything, you play this all the way out. You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate," McCarthy acknowledged.
The decisions made during the preseason will undoubtedly shape the Cowboys' strategy and performance in the upcoming season. With Dak Prescott leading the charge and a reliable backup in Cooper Rush, along with the promising potential of Trey Lance, the Cowboys' quarterback situation is one that many teams would envy. The upcoming games will continue to shed light on how these players will be utilized, but for now, the competition remains an intriguing aspect of Dallas' preseason preparations.