The NFL preseason is always an essential period for teams to evaluate their rosters, and for the Dallas Cowboys, it has provided an opportunity to scrutinize a key position: backup quarterback. As the Cowboys gear up for the 2024 season, the competition to secure the role behind star quarterback Dak Prescott has been fierce, featuring Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the primary contenders.
Assessing Talents Through Preseason
The preseason games serve as a critical platform for NFL teams to assess talent and make strategic decisions. The Cowboys have diligently used this period to evaluate their options. The demands are particularly high when it comes to the quarterback position, which is fundamental to the success of the team.
Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of having multiple strong quarterbacks, stating, "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 underscores the significance the Cowboys place on depth at the quarterback position, especially given the experiences of past seasons.
Cooper Rush: The Reliable Veteran
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted quarterback from Central Michigan, has been a steady presence in the NFL since 2017. Rush has demonstrated his competence as a backup in the past, leading Dallas to victories in five of his six starts when Prescott was sidelined due to injuries during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Despite his limited preseason action this year, Rush managed to complete 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, reaffirming his steady and reliable nature.
Coach McCarthy praised Rush’s consistency and performance, saying, "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game." He further elaborated on the veteran's progress, noting, "I think his footwork and some of the things he's done have been impressive." This high praise from McCarthy highlights the confidence the coaching staff has in Rush’s abilities.
Trey Lance: The Promising Youngster
On the other hand, Trey Lance, the 24-year-old quarterback and the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, presents a younger, high-upside option. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance has shown glimpses of his potential. He made a notable impact in the preseason by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas’ victory over the Raiders.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed optimism about Lance's development while acknowledging the need for further growth. Jones said, "I saw obvious improvement. That's promising because he does have a lot of improvement to have, but he's got all the tools." Jones' commitment to Lance is clear, as he confirmed that Lance would be on the 53-man roster, saying, "Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he's going to be on the 53."
Weighing the Options
The decision on who will become the backup quarterback comes down to a balance between reliability and potential. Rush offers a proven track record and consistency, while Lance brings a dynamic skill set with the promise of growth. This delicate balance is a challenge for the Cowboys’ coaching staff as they prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Coach McCarthy highlighted the quality over quantity approach taken with Rush’s snaps, "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." Meanwhile, Jones pointed to the need for Lance to get more playing time to further develop, "I'd like to see him get some more work in this weekend, that would be number one."
The Bigger Picture
As the Dallas Cowboys finalize their roster decisions, the battle for the backup quarterback slot remains a pivotal storyline. The preseason has provided valuable insights into the capabilities of both Rush and Lance, ultimately informing the strategic choices of the coaching staff and management.
With a strong starter in Dak Prescott, the importance of having a reliable backup cannot be overstated. McCarthy’s and Jones' comments reflect a commitment to ensuring that the team is well-prepared for any scenario that may arise during the grueling NFL season.
The Cowboys are clearly focused on building not just a team, but a resilient and adaptable squad, capable of navigating the uncertainties that each season inevitably brings. Whether they lean on the steadiness of Cooper Rush or the potential of Trey Lance, one thing is certain: the Cowboys are determined to secure their depth at the quarterback position.