Assessing the Quarterback Situation for the Dallas Cowboys
The NFL preseason serves as a critical period for all teams, offering a necessary platform to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions. One of the most scrutinized aspects typically revolves around the quarterback position. For the Dallas Cowboys, while their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, remains untouchable, the battle for the backup position has proven to be particularly intriguing this year. Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are the two main contenders vying for this crucial spot on the roster.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, has been a steadfast component of the Cowboys' roster since joining the NFL in 2017. Despite arriving without the fanfare of a high draft pick, Rush has consistently proven his value. Dallas has recorded victories in five of his six starts, when he admirably filled in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His performance during the preseason this year has involved completing three out of six passes for 50 yards, showcasing quality over quantity in his limited snaps.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed confidence in Rush's reliability and consistency. "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."
On the other hand, Trey Lance brings a different pedigree into the competition. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. At only 24 years old, Lance is seen as a player with considerable potential. During Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders, he threw his first touchdown for the Cowboys, a clear demonstration of progress and adaptability.
Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has openly acknowledged Lance's potential and the areas where he needs to develop. "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."
The final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will be a pivotal moment for both quarterbacks. Jones has already confirmed that Lance will make the 53-man roster, a testament to the team's investment in his future. "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."
McCarthy's philosophy underscores the value of having multiple capable quarterbacks, a sentiment echoed by Jones. "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 noted.
As the preseason draws to a close, the decision on who will serve as Prescott's primary backup remains a key discussion point. Both Rush and Lance have shown why they deserve a spot on the roster, each bringing unique strengths to the field. Rush's experience and consistency juxtaposed with Lance's high potential create a compelling narrative as the Cowboys prepare for the regular season.
While Rush's track record provides a sense of security, Lance's upside offers a glimpse into the future. Jerry Jones summed up the challenge succinctly: "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" It's a balancing act that will require careful management, but it's a problem many teams would envy.
In the end, the Cowboys' quarterback depth could prove to be one of their greatest assets this season. As McCarthy wisely remarked, stability and depth at the quarterback position can never be undervalued.