As the NFL preseason unfolds, every team is delving deep into their rosters to assess key position battles. This period is crucial for evaluating talent and making strategic decisions, particularly concerning the quarterback position. The Dallas Cowboys epitomize this scenario, with their quarterback conundrum drawing significant attention.
The Starter: Dak Prescott
While the Cowboys' starter is undeniably Dak Prescott, the battle for the backup quarterback role is heating up. The contenders for the 2024 season are Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
Cooper Rush: The Reliable Veteran
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. Over the years, he has proven his mettle, particularly stepping up when Prescott was injured during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Dallas emerged victorious in five of Rush's six starts, underscoring his capability.
This preseason, Rush's performance included completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. His consistent and reliable play hasn't gone unnoticed. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. "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 echoed McCarthy’s sentiments. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones stated, shedding light on the high regard in which Rush is held within the organization.
Trey Lance: The Young Gun
Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, joined the Cowboys after being acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick. At 24 years old, his youth and potential make him an exciting prospect for Dallas. Lance made headlines recently by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders, showcasing his talent and promising development.
Despite his relatively short tenure with the team, Lance has already earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Jerry Jones confirmed, "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 also expressed optimism about Lance's progress. "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 Preseason Game
As the Cowboys gear up for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, all eyes will be on the performances of Rush and Lance. The outcome of this competition will significantly influence the team’s strategic decisions moving into the regular season.
Mike McCarthy's perspective on having multiple skilled quarterbacks underlines the team's overall strategy. "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," said McCarthy, reflecting on the depth the Cowboys currently enjoy in the quarterback position.
The preseason has provided an invaluable platform for evaluating the Cowboys' quarterback depth, set against the broader strategic backdrop of the upcoming season. With Dak Prescott firmly established as the starter, the battle between Cooper Rush and Trey Lance for the backup role illustrates the ever-present need for preparedness and depth in the highly competitive NFL landscape.