Evaluating the Dallas Cowboys' Backup Quarterback Battle
Every NFL team leverages the preseason to assess key position battles, and for the Dallas Cowboys, the focus has been on the quarterback position. Preseason games provide a crucial platform to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions, especially when it comes to finding the right backup for their star quarterback, Dak Prescott.
This year, the Cowboys' quarterback conundrum starts with their undisputed starter, Prescott. But the battle for the backup quarterback slot is heating up, with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the main contenders for the 2024 season.
Cooper Rush: A Proven Stand-In
Cooper Rush, at 30 years old and undrafted out of Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. Rush’s experience and reliability have been tested, and he has often risen to the occasion. Dallas has triumphed in five of Rush's six starts when he stepped in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, proving his mettle and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. This preseason, Rush has shown solid form, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards.
Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Rush’s consistency, stating, "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. His decision-making has been on point. I think his footwork and some of the things he's done have been impressive." Owner and general manager Jerry Jones echoed this sentiment, adding, "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Trey Lance: A Young Talent with Potential
On the other side of the competition is Trey Lance, who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Last year, the Cowboys acquired Lance from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick. At 24 years old, Lance has demonstrated glimpses of his immense potential this preseason, including throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
Jones also highlighted Lance's development, 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." However, Jones pointed out the challenge Lance faces in getting enough reps, saying, "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?"
Despite the challenges, Jones is clear about Lance's immediate future with the team: "Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he's going to be on the 53."
The Road Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the coaching staff and management are keen to see how both Rush and Lance perform under pressure. McCarthy remains optimistic about his quarterbacking depth, stating, "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." The final decision on the backup role will provide a clearer picture of the Cowboys’ strategic direction as they aim to fortify their roster for the regular season.
Ultimately, the choice between Rush and Lance will not only impact the depth chart but also serve as a pivotal point in the Cowboys' broader strategic aims. Whether they lean towards the experience and reliability of Rush or the youthful potential of Lance, the Cowboys are poised with enviable options as they navigate the high stakes of NFL competition. Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones have expressed confidence in their choices, but as always in the NFL, the true test will be the performances on the field when the games really matter.