Every NFL team uses the preseason as a critical assessment period, gauging the potential of their roster and making strategic decisions for the upcoming regular season. This period is especially pivotal when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks. For the Dallas Cowboys, the spotlight is on the ongoing battle for the backup quarterback position behind Dak Prescott.
Prescott, the team's undisputed starter, is a stable force. The question, however, lies with his backup. Competing for this role are Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, and Trey Lance, the 24-year-old who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers last year for a fourth-round pick. Both quarterbacks bring unique attributes to the table, creating a competitive and closely monitored situation in Dallas.
Cooper Rush: Proven Reliability
Cooper Rush's NFL journey began in 2017, and his experientially rich background has made him a reliable figure for the Cowboys. His performance during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, stepping in for an injured Prescott, saw Dallas secure victories in five out of six starts. This reliability has not gone unnoticed by the Cowboys' coaching staff and front office.
"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," Head Coach Mike McCarthy remarked, underscoring the value of depth at the quarterback position.
Rush's consistency and preparedness continue to impress. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," McCarthy added. "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."
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, echoed these sentiments. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones said, reinforcing Rush's standing within the team.
Trey Lance: Youth and Potential
Lance's story with the Cowboys is still in its early chapters, but his potential is evident. At just 24 years old, Lance's performance during this preseason has been under scrutiny, especially after throwing his first touchdown in Dallas’ victory over the Raiders.
Jones spoke to Lance's developmental journey. "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."
McCarthy and Jones both see value in giving Lance as much exposure as possible. "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," Jones stated. "Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he's going to be on the 53." This commitment ensures that Lance will be a part of the main roster, hinting at the Cowboys' plans to further develop his talents.
The Final Preseason Test
The Cowboys’ final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will be an opportunity for both Rush and Lance to potentially solidify their places. Rush's preseason has included completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, and any additional gameplay will be valuable for both players as they vie for positioning.
The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history and high expectations every year, and the backup quarterback role is a crucial part of their depth chart. Whether it's the seasoned reliability of Cooper Rush or the youthful promise of Trey Lance, the Cowboys are ensuring that they are well-prepared for any scenario that might arise during the regular season.
As the preseason winds down, the decisions made now by Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones will echo throughout the season. "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, encapsulating the delicate balance the Cowboys must strike. Regardless of the outcome, having "three good ones" is a luxury that could make all the difference when the stakes are highest.