Every year, NFL teams leverage the preseason to iron out key position battles and assess the depth of their rosters. For the Dallas Cowboys, this annual ritual provides a crucial platform to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions, especially concerning their quarterback lineup.
At the forefront of the Cowboys' quarterback conundrum is their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott. However, the battle for the backup position is drawing significant attention this preseason. Competing for this coveted slot are two capable quarterbacks: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Cooper Rush: The Steady Veteran
Cooper Rush enters the fray at 30 years old, an undrafted talent from Central Michigan with a wealth of NFL experience. Rush has been a professional since 2017 and has effectively stepped in when needed, leading the Cowboys to victory in five of his six starts during the 2021 and 2022 seasons after Prescott was sidelined by injury.
Rush’s performance continues to speak volumes. Most recently, in this year's preseason, he completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy praised Rush by saying, "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." Team owner Jerry Jones echoed this sentiment: "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Trey Lance: The Young Talent
On the other side of the competition is Trey Lance, the 24-year-old quarterback acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, brings youthful vigor and substantial potential to the Cowboys' roster.
During the preseason, Lance showcased flashes of his capabilities, throwing his first touchdown in the Cowboys' victory over the Raiders. Jones recognized this progress, noting, "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."
However, balancing reps among Prescott, Rush, and Lance remains a challenge. "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, highlighting the difficulty of giving Lance enough on-field action to continue his development.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
Looking forward, Cowboys head coach McCarthy emphasizes the luxury of 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," he stated. This depth will prove invaluable as the team navigates the rigors of the upcoming season.
In the Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, there's a strong desire to see more from Lance. "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, signaling Lance’s secure spot on the roster.
The Dallas Cowboys navigate these pivotal decisions with a blend of experience and youthful potential. As Prescott leads the charge, the battles and strategies unfolding in the preseason offer a glimpse into the intricate decision-making process that shapes a successful NFL team. The outcomes of these assessments will significantly influence the Cowboys' trajectory as they aim for glory in the forthcoming season.