Dallas Cowboys Face Key Decisions in Quarterback Depth
As the NFL preseason unfolds, every team utilizes these crucial games to assess key position battles and make strategic decisions. For the Dallas Cowboys, much of the focus centers around solidifying the backup quarterback position, following their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott.
The competition primarily features two quarterbacks: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been part of the NFL since 2017. Dallas has experienced success when Rush temporarily replaced an injured Prescott, notably winning five of the six games he started during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This preseason, Rush has completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, showcasing his steady hand in limited opportunities. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy praised Rush's consistency and performance, stating, "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."
On the other hand, Trey Lance, the 24-year-old who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, joined the Cowboys last year after being acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick. Lance’s potential has been evident, and in a recent preseason victory over the Raiders, he threw his first touchdown for Dallas. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke highly of 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."
Mike McCarthy echoed this sentiment of quarterback depth strength, explaining, "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 depth comes as Dallas navigates its final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, where both Rush and Lance aim to solidify their roles.
Jones also confirmed Lance's spot on the 53-man roster, ensuring his future with the team is secure moving forward. This decision underscores the importance Dallas places on quarterback development and depth, especially in avoiding detrimental scenarios, such as key injuries. Jones noted, "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?"
While Rush’s preseason performance demonstrated his reliability, Lance’s development remains a focal point. Jones emphasized, "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."
The Cowboys' strategic approach to quarterback depth reflects a broader understanding of the importance of having capable backups ready for action. With Prescott firmly installed as the starter, the competition between Rush and Lance will continue to be a narrative to watch, not only through the preseason but potentially across the entire season. McCarthy’s recognition of Rush’s best camp yet and Jones’s acknowledgment of Lance’s promising improvements set a high expectation for the role these quarterbacks will play as the season progresses.
As the Cowboys make final evaluations in their preseason showdown against the Chargers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this pivotal position battle unfolds. The management’s commitment to depth and readiness ensures that the team remains competitive, no matter which quarterback might take the field.