Every year, NFL teams utilize the preseason to scrutinize vital position battles, with the quarterback position often taking center stage. This examination period is not just about determining who will start but also about evaluating backup options, a scenario presently playing out with the Dallas Cowboys. The team's quarterback drama includes their undisputed starter Dak Prescott, but the real intrigue lies in the skirmish for the backup role between Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, has been with the Cowboys since 2017. Over the years, Rush has proven his mettle, stepping in admirably for an injured Prescott in the 2021 and 2022 seasons and leading Dallas to victories in five of his six starts. This preseason, Rush has had limited time on the field, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. Despite his limited playtime, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been effusive in his praise of Rush’s performance during the training camp.
"Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," said McCarthy. "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."
The Cowboys' acquisition of Trey Lance has added another layer of complexity to the quarterback equation. Lance, selected as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was brought to Dallas from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick last year. At 24, Lance is seen as a potential long-term asset for the Cowboys. He made a favorable impression recently, throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones also shared his observations regarding both quarterbacks. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones remarked. On Lance, Jones noted, "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."
As the Cowboys gear up for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the debate over the backup quarterback continues to heat up. McCarthy's comments reflect a careful approach to utilizing Prescott, Rush, and Lance in the best possible ways. "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 stated.
Jones confirmed Lance's spot on the 53-man roster but expressed the challenges of ensuring Lance gets sufficient reps without sidelining Prescott or 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 pondered. Jones further added, "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."
As Dallas approaches the regular season, the clarity around the quarterback depth will be crucial. While Prescott remains the centerpiece, the saga of Rush and Lance provides an intriguing subplot, showcasing the importance of depth and development in the NFL. The Cowboys are poised to embark on another season, fortified by having not one, but three capable quarterbacks ready to step up when called upon.