As NFL teams gear up for the upcoming regular season, the Dallas Cowboys are meticulously assessing their quarterback depth, particularly focusing on their backup to established starter Dak Prescott. Preseason games serve as a vital platform for coaches to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions, and Dallas is no exception.
Prescott's Secure Spot
Dak Prescott remains the unchallenged starter for the Cowboys, a cornerstone of the team's offensive strategy. The spotlight, however, shifts to the battle for the backup quarterback slot, featuring Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the primary contenders.
Rush's Steady Presence
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old quarterback from Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. Despite his undrafted status, Rush has proven his mettle, with a commendable record of five wins in his six starts when stepping in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
"Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game... This is clearly, in my time with him, his best camp," remarked Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy further praised Rush's decision-making and footwork, highlighting his quality over the quantity of snaps taken this year.
Rush's performance this preseason, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, underscores his reliability and consistency—traits that have not gone unnoticed by Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones said, echoing McCarthy's sentiments.
Lance’s Potential and Development
Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, brings youthful energy and potential to the Cowboys' roster. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, the 24-year-old quarterback has shown flashes of his capability. Lance threw his first touchdown in the Cowboys' preseason victory over the Raiders, a promising sign of his development.
"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 observed, emphasizing Lance's growth and adaptability. McCarthy also highlighted the importance of giving Lance more time on the field, pointing out, "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."
Planning for the Future
As the Cowboys approach their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the importance of solidifying their quarterback lineup becomes evident. The competition between Rush and Lance not only serves to identify the best backup for Prescott but also ensures the team is prepared for any contingencies.
"You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate," McCarthy noted, reflecting the team's depth at the crucial position. Yet, the challenge remains in managing playing time and reps, particularly when it involves balancing the development of a young talent like Lance without impacting the well-established routines of Prescott and Rush.
Jones addressed this issue, stating, "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" His insight highlights the delicate balance the coaching staff must strike between preparation and performance.
With Lance confirmed on the 53-man roster, the Cowboys are poised to navigate the 2024 season with a solid quarterbacking core, a blend of experience, and promising potential. This strategic approach ensures that the team is not only ready for the immediate challenges of the season but is also building a foundation for future success.