The preseason serves as a strategic platform for NFL teams, allowing them to evaluate key position battles. For the Dallas Cowboys, these games hold particular significance for the ongoing competition at the quarterback position. With Dak Prescott firmly established as the starting quarterback, the battle for the backup slot features Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the leading contenders.
Cooper Rush: The Experienced Veteran
Cooper Rush might be an undrafted talent from Central Michigan, but at 30 years old, he brings a wealth of experience. Having joined the NFL in 2017, Rush has proven his mettle, especially when called upon during crucial moments. Dallas has emerged victorious in five out of Rush's six starts, stepping in admirably for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
This preseason, Rush has maintained his steady form, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has sung his praises: "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."
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones echoed these sentiments, lauding Rush's performance during the training camp. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones noted. The veteran's reliability and poise are vital assets to the Cowboys' roster, contributing to the team's depth and stability.
Trey Lance: The Promising Young Gun
In contrast to Rush's extensive NFL journey, 24-year-old Trey Lance represents the future. Selected as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance arrived in Dallas from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick last year. His youth and potential make him a valuable asset for the Cowboy's organization.
Lance made an immediate impact by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders. Despite being relatively new to the team, his performance has shown promise. Jones observed, "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."
Despite his potential, McCarthy remains eager to see more from Lance, indicating that there's still much to learn and develop. "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."
Strategic Depth
The Cowboys' coaching staff recognizes the importance of quarterbacking depth. "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 remarked, highlighting the difficult yet fortunate position the team finds itself in.
Jones, likewise, understands the nuances of ensuring each quarterback gets ample opportunity to showcase their talent. "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 mused, underscoring the challenge of managing playing time.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cowboys gear up for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Lance. "I'd like to see him get some more work in this weekend, that would be number one," Jones stressed, pointing to the need for further exposure and development for the young quarterback.
With the regular season on the horizon, the Cowboys' quarterback lineup seems set, but the competition within remains fierce. Rush's consistency and experience provide a solid safety net, while Lance's potential offers intriguing prospects for the future. It's a balancing act that McCarthy and Jones appear to be managing with skill and foresight.
As the preseason draws to a close, the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback situation stands as a testament to the importance of depth and strategic evaluation. With the combination of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team's future at this crucial position looks bright.