The Dallas Cowboys' Quarterback Quandary: A Deep Dive into the Backup Battle
As NFL teams leverage the preseason to assess key position battles, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, particularly regarding their quarterback lineup. While Dak Prescott's position as the starting quarterback remains unchallenged, the battle for his backup is heating up between Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. This year's preseason provides a crucial platform for evaluating these contenders, as the Cowboys navigate their options heading into the 2024 season.
Cooper Rush: The Reliable Veteran
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old talent from Central Michigan, has carved a niche for himself as a dependable choice. Having been in the NFL since 2017, Rush's consistency speaks volumes. His tenure with the Cowboys includes stepping up for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where Dallas triumphed in five of his six starts. This reliability is echoed by Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy, who remarked, "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." This preseason, Rush completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, showcasing his steady hand even in limited playtime.
Ownership sentiment aligns with McCarthy’s assessment. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, expressed his admiration for Rush, stating, "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp." The consistency and reliability Rush brings to the table are undeniable, making him a formidable contender for the backup quarterback position.
Trey Lance: The Promising Prospect
On the other side stands Trey Lance, a 24-year-old quarterback with a lot of potential. Selected as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance's journey to the Cowboys involved a trade from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. His talent is evident, but his experience at the professional level is somewhat limited when compared to Rush.
However, Lance has shown glimpses of his potential during the preseason. Most notably, he threw his first touchdown in Dallas' victory over the Raiders. Lance’s attributes have caught the eye of Jones, who observed, "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." This development indicates Lance is rapidly adapting to the Cowboys' system and expectations.
The Head Coach's Perspective
McCarthy's take on the quarterback situation is pragmatic. "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," he said. His comments underline the depth and quality the Cowboys have at the quarterback position, with Prescott, Rush, and Lance all being viable options.
McCarthy particularly noted Rush's performance in this year's camp, stating, "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." These observations suggest that while Rush has familiarity and experience on his side, his recent improvements make him even more valuable.
Jones’ Vision for Lance
Jerry Jones has also highlighted the importance of giving Lance more reps, especially after the preseason. "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. His focus remains on Lance's growth and integration into the team. "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.
Upcoming Decisions
With the Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on the horizon, the decision on who will secure the backup quarterback slot looms large. The performances in this game could prove crucial for both Rush and Lance. Regardless, McCarthy and Jones have made it clear that Lance will be included in the 53-man roster, emphasizing his potential and the Cowboys' investment in his future.
As the regular season approaches, the Cowboys' quarterback depth will undoubtedly be one of the narratives to watch. With Prescott firmly at the helm, the battle between Rush and Lance adds an intriguing layer to Dallas' strategic plans, ensuring they are well-prepared for any scenario the season might present.