The preseason often serves as the proving ground for key position battles in the NFL, and few positions are under the microscope as much as the quarterback role. This is particularly true for the Dallas Cowboys, whose quarterback conundrum remains central to their preseason narrative.
The Cowboys have their undisputed starter in Dak Prescott, but the fight for the backup quarterback spot has been a significant storyline. Cooper Rush and Trey Lance have emerged as the main contenders, each bringing unique attributes and experiences to the table.
Cooper Rush: The Dependable Veteran
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, has carved out a respectable career since entering the NFL in 2017. Known for his reliability, Rush has stepped up when the Cowboys needed him most, particularly evident in their record of five wins in six starts when he filled in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
This preseason, Rush's performance remains solid, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has high praise for him: "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. 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." This consistency has caught the eye of not only McCarthy but also Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, who noted, "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Trey Lance: The Promising Prospect
While Rush represents the steady veteran presence, Trey Lance offers an intriguing blend of youth and potential. The 24-year-old was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. Lance's ability was on display when he threw his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
McCarthy's comments further underscore the depth in Dallas' quarterback room: "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." However, Jones struck a more cautious tone regarding Lance's development, stating, "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 raised a key concern about Lance's future 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 Final Preseason Test
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, attention will be on how they manage their quarterback rotation. Jones has confirmed that Lance will be on the 53-man roster, emphasizing the importance of additional preseason work for him: "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." This makes the last preseason game particularly crucial for Lance to showcase his continued improvement and readiness for the regular season.
With the alignment of the right mix of experience and potential, the Cowboys appear well-positioned for the upcoming season. Prescott's established leadership, complemented by Rush's reliability and Lance's upside, offers a robust quarterback lineup. As they head into the final stretch of preparations, the preseason has undoubtedly provided valuable insights for the Cowboys' strategic planning at the quarterback position.