Every NFL preseason serves as a platform where teams around the league can scrutinize and strategize over key position battles, and the Dallas Cowboys are no exception. This year's preseason spotlight shines brightly on the Cowboys' quarterback situation, where the battle for the backup slot behind the unquestioned starter, Dak Prescott, unfolds. Cooper Rush and Trey Lance emerge as the main contenders vying for the coveted spot.
Rush's Proven Reliability
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has established a commendable track record since entering the NFL in 2017. Rush stepped up during pivotal moments, leading Dallas to victory in five of his six starts while Prescott was sidelined in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This experience lays a solid foundation for his case as a reliable backup.
This preseason, Rush has shown glimpses of his consistency, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. The steady nature of his performance is something head coach Mike McCarthy has come to appreciate. “Cooper is the same man every single day," McCarthy remarks. "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." This testament to Rush's dependability continues to bolster his standing within the team.
Trey Lance's Untapped Potential
In contrast, Trey Lance represents the youthful vigor and the promise of untapped potential. Acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, the 24-year-old Lance brings fresh energy and an impressive pedigree as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance's preseason performance has been encouraging, capped by his first touchdown pass in Dallas' victory over the Raiders.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, also has high hopes for Lance. “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,” Jones said. His observations underscore the dual nature of Lance’s journey – a raw talent still in the process of refinement but laden with potential.
McCarthy and Jones Weigh In
As the seasons progress, balancing experience and potential becomes crucial. McCarthy and Jones both recognize the assets they have in Rush and Lance. “You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate,” McCarthy stated, emphasizing the depth Dallas boasts at the quarterback position.
Jones shares similar sentiments, voicing admiration for Rush's consistent performance, “Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp,” he said. The endorsement from the top ranks of the Cowboys' leadership strengthens Rush's case and instills confidence in his role.
The Final Preseason Game
The Cowboys' final preseason test against the Los Angeles Chargers will be pivotal. Jerry Jones is keen on seeing Lance gain more experience, a move indicative of Dallas' strategic planning for quarterback depth. “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 affirmed. This confirmation secures Lance's spot on the 53-man roster, providing him a platform for growth and future contributions.
Despite the preseason soon coming to an end, the questions surrounding how playing time will be allocated during the regular season remain. Jones highlights a critical point, “The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?” This logistical challenge speaks to the complexity of developing a talented but less experienced quarterback within the constraints of an NFL season.
As the Cowboys edge closer to the regular season, the final decisions regarding quarterback roles will not just shape the team's roster but also its fortunes in the campaigns to come. The blend of Rush's steady reliability and Lance's dynamic potential presents a unique scenario for Dallas, one that McCarthy and Jones will navigate with strategic foresight and a keen eye on both the present and future.