The NFL preseason is a critical period that allows teams to scrutinize positional battles and make strategic decisions. This holds particularly true for the Dallas Cowboys as they navigate through their quarterback situation.
Dak Prescott's Undisputed Role
At the forefront is Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' established starting quarterback. Behind him lies a complex battle for the backup quarterback slot, featuring two key players: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Cooper Rush: An Undrafted Talent
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old quarterback from Central Michigan, joined the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted talent. Despite this, Rush has managed to make a name for himself, especially notable during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. When Prescott was sidelined due to injury, Rush stepped up, leading the Cowboys to victory in five of his six starts. This preseason, Rush completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, showcasing his steady performance.
Mike McCarthy on Rush's Performance
Head Coach Mike McCarthy had high praise for Rush, stating, "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."
Trey Lance: Potential and Promise
On the other side of the battle is Trey Lance, a highly-touted talent who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers last year for a fourth-round pick. At just 24, Lance offers a promising future. His preseason included throwing his first touchdown in a victory over the Raiders, adding another layer to his potential.
Jerry Jones' Perspective on Lance
Cowboys' owner and general manager Jerry Jones also sees promise in 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. 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 said.
Depth and Decisions
McCarthy's viewpoint aligns with the necessity for quarterback depth: "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." Jones echoed similar sentiments, expressing his admiration for Rush's training camp performance: "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Jones further commented on the challenge of managing reps for Lance post-preseason, given the presence of Prescott and Rush. "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" he stated. However, Jones confirmed that Lance would be part of the 53-man roster, underscoring the franchise's commitment to his development. "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."
Countdown to the Final Preseason Game
The stakes are high as the Cowboys approach their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This matchup will offer one last opportunity for both Rush and Lance to solidify their positions and demonstrate their readiness for the coming season.
The Cowboys' quarterback conundrum embodies the intricate dynamics of NFL team management, blending veteran reliability with youthful potential. As the preseason draws to a close, all eyes will be on how this quarterback battle unfolds, shaping the strategic landscape for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.