The preseason is a pivotal time for NFL teams, particularly when it comes to assessing key position battles. This year, the Dallas Cowboys are utilizing this period to scrutinize their backup quarterback slot, a role that sees Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the primary contenders.
For the Cowboys, the quarterback situation begins with Dak Prescott, their undisputed starter. Prescott's shadow looms large, but the battle for who stands next in line is heating up in Dallas.
Cooper Rush: Reliable and Consistent
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been with the NFL since 2017. Over the past two seasons, Rush has proven his value by stepping in seamlessly for an injured Prescott. Notably, the Cowboys have triumphed in five of Rush's six starts during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, solidifying his reputation as a reliable backup.
This preseason, Rush’s performance continues to showcase his consistency, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy appreciates his steadiness, saying, "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."
Trey Lance: The Young and Promising Talent
Enter Trey Lance, the 2021 NFL Draft's third overall pick, whom the Cowboys acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. At just 24 years old, Lance brings youth and potential to the table. He made an impression by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
However, Lance remains a work in progress. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones recognizes the potential in Lance, 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."
Jones has also confirmed that Lance will be on the 53-man roster, signaling the team's commitment to developing him further. "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 added.
The Strategic Importance of Depth
The battle for the backup role isn't merely a contest for playing time behind Prescott. It's about securing the Cowboys' future with strong depth at the quarterback position. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of this depth, saying, "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."
Indeed, the importance of a reliable backup has been evident through Rush's performance in recent seasons. Jerry Jones echoed this sentiment, highlighting Rush's value: "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
The Final Preseason Test
As the Cowboys approach their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the performances of Rush and Lance will be under close scrutiny. Both quarterbacks have showcased their capabilities in different ways, and this final test will further inform the Cowboys' strategic decisions.
The preseason has reaffirmed Dallas’ good fortune of having depth in their quarterback room. While Prescott remains the leader, the growth and performance of both Rush and Lance offer promising prospects for the team's future.
Ultimately, the evaluation and decisions made in these preseason games will resonate throughout the season, ensuring the Cowboys are prepared for any circumstance that arises.