As the NFL preseason unfolds, it's clear that every team uses this period to evaluate key position battles, none more crucial than the quarterback spot. The Dallas Cowboys are no exception. While Dak Prescott stands firm as the undisputed starter, the competition for his backup has drawn significant attention.
The Quarterback Competition
This year's battle for the backup quarterback position pits two distinct talents against each other: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Cooper Rush, a seasoned 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. His experience is invaluable; Dallas won five of the six games he started in place of an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Rush's preseason performance this year, which saw him complete 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, is a testament to his consistency.
On the other side is Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance is still relatively young at 24. He showcased his potential by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
Leadership Praise
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is optimistic about the quarterback situation. "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," he said. McCarthy's faith in his stable of quarterbacks is echoed in his assessment of their performances. "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."
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones also had high praise for Rush. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp." Jones also acknowledged Lance's progress, 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. 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."
The Final Decision
One of the more significant challenges for the Cowboys will be managing their quarterback depth post-preseason. Jones pointed out this logistical hurdle, stating, "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 confirmed that Lance would make the final 53-man roster, emphasizing the need for him to see more action. "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."
As the Cowboys approach their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the performances of Rush and Lance will be under intense scrutiny. For Dallas, having depth at the quarterback position is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. The preseason is proving to be an essential platform for both of these players to showcase their value to the team.
In the shifting landscape of the NFL, where injuries and unexpected changes are the norm, depth at critical positions can make or break a season. For the Dallas Cowboys, the decisions made now in the preseason could reverberate throughout the 2024 campaign, making every snap, every throw, and every decision by their quarterbacks crucial.