Season Preparation: Dallas Cowboys Evaluate Quarterback Depth
As the NFL preseason unfolds, every team is keen on leveraging these games to assess vital position battles. This period is especially crucial for the Dallas Cowboys, where competition for the backup quarterback slot is heating up.
With Dak Prescott as the Cowboys' undisputed starter, the spotlight intensifies on his understudies. The primary contenders for the backup quarterback position are Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, making the decision anything but straightforward.
Cooper Rush: The Veteran Underdog
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, is no stranger to the NFL. Having been in the league since 2017, Rush has proven to be a reliable option for the Cowboys. Dallas clinched victories in five of Rush's six starts when he filled in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This impressive track record speaks volumes about his ability to step up when needed.
Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Rush’s consistency, saying, "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game." McCarthy also highlighted Rush's best camp yet, with decision-making and footwork standing out. "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," McCarthy elaborated.
Trey Lance: The Young Prodigy
On the other hand, Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, represents the future. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick, Lance’s arrival in Dallas last year came with high expectations. At just 24 years old, he offers a blend of potential and athleticism that excites the Cowboys' leadership.
Lance marked a significant milestone by throwing his first touchdown during Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones noted Lance's evident improvement, 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." Jones also emphasized the challenge ahead for Lance, mentioning the need for more reps, stating, "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 Decisions and Future Projections
Jerry Jones's remarks underscore the strategic decisions that lie ahead. He reaffirmed Lance's position on the 53-man roster but also raised a critical point about practice reps, "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" The Cowboys' brass is acutely aware of the importance of managing reps to ensure each quarterback continues to develop without compromising team performance.
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, McCarthy and Jones have expressed confidence in their quarterback depth. McCarthy remarked, "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." This sentiment is echoed by Jones, who commended Rush’s preparedness and Lance’s progress.
Jones further reinforced his confidence in Rush, saying, "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp." However, the excitement around Lance’s potential remains palpable, signaling a bright future with careful nurturing.
In summary, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in an envious yet challenging position as they head into the 2024 season. With Dak Prescott leading the charge, the battle for the backup quarterback spot between Cooper Rush and Trey Lance promises to be a compelling subplot. Rush’s reliability and Lance’s potential create a dynamic that could benefit the Cowboys in both the short and long term.
As the preseason winds down, all eyes will be on the final assessments and decisions made by the Cowboys’ management, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.