Preseason Quarterback Battle Takes Center Stage for Cowboys
As the NFL preseason unfolds, every team is keenly evaluating key position battles, with a particular focus on the quarterback spot. This assessment period is crucial for making strategic decisions and identifying the talent that will carry teams through the rigorous regular season. The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a familiar yet critical situation as they navigate the competition for their backup quarterback slot.
At the forefront of the Cowboys' quarterback discussions is Dak Prescott, who remains the undisputed starter. However, the real intrigue revolves around the duel for the backup position, featuring two prominent contenders: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Cooper Rush: Veteran Stepping Up
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been a steadfast presence in the NFL since 2017. Despite his undrafted status, Rush has proven his mettle whenever called upon. In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he stepped in for an injured Prescott, leading Dallas to victories in five of his six starts. This level of performance has not gone unnoticed by Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who hailed Rush's consistency and growth.
"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," McCarthy remarked.
During this year's preseason, Rush has delivered a solid performance, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. His steady presence and reliable performance have made a strong impression on Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, who expressed his admiration for Rush's camp showing.
"Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones said.
Trey Lance: The Young Contender
On the other side of the battle stands Trey Lance, the 2021 NFL Draft's third overall pick, acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. At just 24 years old, Lance represents future potential, sparking interest with his physical tools and upside. Lance marked a milestone in his young career by throwing his first touchdown in a preseason victory over the Raiders, a promising sign of his development.
"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," Jones said.
Despite his potential, the question remains how Lance will receive sufficient reps once the regular season begins, especially with Prescott and Rush ahead of him on the depth chart.
"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. "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."
Final Preseason Game Looms
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the performances of Rush and Lance will be closely scrutinized. McCarthy's sentiment underlines the depth of talent the Cowboys possess at the quarterback position.
"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.
With such high stakes, the final preseason game will not only provide one last opportunity for the quarterbacks to showcase their abilities but also set the stage for the Cowboys' strategic planning heading into the regular season. As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: the Cowboys are privileged to have a promising quarterback room, offering both experience and potential.