Cowboys Gear Up for 2024: The Backup Quarterback Question
As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up their preseason, the competition for the backup quarterback position continues to heat up. The Cowboys' preseason has brought about critical evaluations, especially at the quarterback position, a tradition that holds true across the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys have a clear starter in Dak Prescott, but the battle for the backup spot between Cooper Rush and Trey Lance has been the focal point of their preseason. The two quarterbacks bring distinct profiles and abilities, each contributing to what head coach Mike McCarthy describes as a fortunate situation with "three good ones."
Cooper Rush: The Steady Hand
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been with the team since 2017. Known for his consistency and reliability, Rush has had significant moments stepping in for an injured Prescott. Dallas has triumphed in five of Rush's six starts when he filled in during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, showcasing his competence under pressure.
In this year's preseason, Rush has completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, continuing to display the steady hand that has impressed both McCarthy and Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," McCarthy noted. "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."
Jones also praised Rush's performance: "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Trey Lance: The Up-and-Comer
On the other side of this battle is Trey Lance, the third overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year and has shown flashes of his potential during the preseason.
The 24-year-old quarterback threw his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders, prompting Jones to speak positively about his 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," Jones remarked. "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."
However, Lance's journey is about more than just preseason games. It's about finding a way to get meaningful reps during the season without negatively impacting the playing time of Prescott or Rush. Jones acknowledged this challenge, saying, "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 has also expressed a desire to see more of Lance. "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."
Final Preseason Showdown
With the Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on the horizon, the stakes are high for both Rush and Lance. This game represents their last chance to make an impression before the regular season begins. The coaching staff and the Cowboys' management will be watching closely to make their final decisions.
Head coach Mike McCarthy summed up the situation succinctly: "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."
As the Cowboys fine-tune their roster, the backup quarterback position holds particular significance, underscoring the depth and quality the team boasts. For Rush and Lance, this is their moment to shine, making the final preseason game a must-watch for Cowboys fans and NFL observers alike.