Dallas Cowboys Face Backup Quarterback Decision Amid Strong Preseason Performances
Every NFL team leverages the preseason to assess key position battles, and the Dallas Cowboys are no exception. With the 2024 season approaching, the Cowboys are deep into evaluating their roster, especially focusing on the quarterback position. While Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter, the backup quarterback slot has become one of the most intriguing battles in Dallas.
Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are the primary contenders for the backup role. Both quarterbacks bring distinct backgrounds and skills to the table, making the decision a challenging yet pivotal one for the Cowboys' coaching staff and front office.
Cooper Rush: The Proven Veteran
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, enters this preseason with several years of NFL experience. Having been in the league since 2017, Rush has stepped up in significant moments for the Cowboys. Notably, he has triumphed in five of his six starts when filling in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Head coach Mike McCarthy praises Rush's consistency and preparedness. "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."
This preseason, Rush has completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, showing flashes of the reliability that Dallas fans have come to expect. His steady hand and leadership qualities make him a strong candidate for the backup slot.
Trey Lance: The Young Prospect
In contrast, Trey Lance represents the future with his raw talent and potential. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. At 24 years old, Lance is seen by many as a high-upside project who could develop into a significant asset for the Cowboys.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, confirmed Lance's place on the 53-man roster. "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."
Lance's recent performance has shown promise. He threw his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders, indicating growth and a keen understanding of the playbook. Jones acknowledged this progression, stating, "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."
Balancing Experience and Potential
The decision facing McCarthy and Jones is not an easy one. Rush's experience and steady presence provide a reliable fallback option in case of an emergency. On the other hand, developing Lance could pay dividends in the long run as he builds chemistry with the team.
Both McCarthy and Jones have acknowledged the depth and talent in their quarterback room. "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 noted.
Indeed, having two capable quarterbacks vying for the backup role illustrates the strength of the current roster. As the Cowboys head into their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, these performances will be scrutinized closely.
Final Preseason Showdown
The upcoming match against the Chargers will be crucial for both Rush and Lance to showcase their skills and solidify their respective cases for the backup quarterback position. McCarthy's strategy appears to be balancing reps between the contenders, ensuring that both quarterbacks have ample opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
While the Cowboys are in an enviable position with such depth at quarterback, the final decision will come down to the intricate evaluations of McCarthy and Jones. Fans can be assured, however, that regardless of the outcome, the Cowboys are well-prepared to tackle the 2024 season head-on with their revamped and promising roster.