The NFL preseason serves as a vital proving ground for assessing talent and making strategic decisions, particularly at the quarterback position. For the Dallas Cowboys, this year's preseason has spotlighted the battle for the backup quarterback role behind starter Dak Prescott.
Cooper Rush: Proven Reliability
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, has solidified his reputation as a reliable backup since entering the NFL in 2017. When Prescott was sidelined due to injury during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Rush stepped in effectively and led the Cowboys to victory in five of his six starts. This performance has not gone unnoticed by the Cowboys' management and coaching staff.
"Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," Head Coach Mike McCarthy noted, highlighting Rush's steadiness. "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."
Rush's preseason performance this year, featuring a modest 3 of 6 passes completed for 50 yards, showcases his capability, though it is clear the Cowboys have placed value on quality over quantity of snaps for him.
Trey Lance: A Promising Addition
On the other side of the quarterback competition is Trey Lance, a 24-year-old talent acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has demonstrated his potential with moments of brilliance during the preseason, including throwing his first touchdown in a victory over the Raiders.
Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones emphasized Lance’s growth and potential, saying, "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." Despite Lance's need for continued development, Jones confirmed Lance will make the 53-man roster, underlining the Cowboys' commitment to utilizing his talents effectively.
Cowboys' Depth at Quarterback
The quarterback scenario for the Cowboys reflects a well-rounded depth chart, with McCarthy acknowledging the abundance of talent at the position. "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate," he stated, showing confidence in the trio of Prescott, Rush, and Lance.
Jones, while appreciative of Rush's consistency, also expressed the desire to see more from Lance. "I'd like to see us really be able to have our quarterbacking depth. Specifically talking about No. 19 [Lance]... 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 Test
The Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will offer another opportunity to evaluate their quarterback options. As McCarthy and Jones weigh their strategies, the performances of Rush and Lance in this last matchup could be pivotal in setting the tone for the regular season.
As the Cowboys move towards the 2024 season, the coaching staff's focus will be on optimizing their quarterback decisions to ensure robust performance throughout the roster. With Prescott as the established starter and Rush's proven reliability, Lance's development could ultimately provide the Cowboys with a valuable asset both now and in the future.
The decisions made during these preseason games will have lasting impacts on the team's strategy and success, making the evaluation of each player’s performance all the more significant.