This year's NFL preseason has provided a fascinating glimpse into the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback scenario, pivoting around both stability and strategic depth. With undisputed starter Dak Prescott at the helm, attention has turned to the battle for the backup slot, featuring Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the prime contenders.
Assessment and Strategy
Preseason matches are indispensable for teams to assess talent and make critical decisions, particularly in the quarterback department. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, reaffirmed this notion by emphasizing the importance of evaluating their quarterbacking depth: "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate," stated head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy's praise for Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, underscores the value of consistency and readiness in key positions. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," McCarthy noted. This reliability has translated into tangible success for the Cowboys, given their triumph in five of Rush's six starts when he filled in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Cooper Rush’s Performance
Rush's preseason performance might not leap off the stat sheet as extraordinary—completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards—but his understanding of the game and his consistent decision-making have earned him high marks from the coaching staff. "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," McCarthy elaborated, underscoring the strategic approach taken during practices.
Jerry Jones echoed McCarthy's sentiments, adding his endorsement of Rush's progress: "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Trey Lance’s Potential
Meanwhile, the young and promising Trey Lance, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, is also making strides. At just 24 years old, Lance already possesses the tools and raw talent to potentially be a future starter. "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," said Jones, following Lance's first touchdown pass in a preseason victory against the Raiders.
Lance’s assimilation into the team has been under close scrutiny, and Jones affirmed that Lance would be on the 53-man roster. Yet, the challenge remains in balancing his development without compromising the team's overall performance. "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 aloud.
Looking Forward: The Final Preseason Game
With the final preseason game looming against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Cowboys are set to make more critical assessments. "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 asserted.
Mike McCarthy, whose judgments have been instrumental in shaping the current roster, reaffirms that this blend of experience and youthful promise provides the Cowboys with a unique advantage. The forthcoming game will not only serve as a proving ground for Lance but will also solidify the quarterback hierarchy that the Cowboys can depend on as they venture into the demanding NFL season.
With an enviable depth in their quarterback lineup, the Dallas Cowboys appear well-prepared for the myriad challenges that lie ahead, grounded in strategic foresight and guided by seasoned leadership.