Cowboys' Quarterback Depth: A Battle for Backup Supremacy
As the NFL preseason unfolds, every team uses this critical period to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions, particularly concerning key position battles. For the Dallas Cowboys, this preseason has put the spotlight on their quarterback conundrum, even with their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott, securely at the helm.
The Starter and His Stand-In
Dak Prescott remains the undeniable first-choice quarterback for Dallas, but the depth chart beyond him invites intrigue. Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, and Trey Lance, the 2021 NFL Draft’s third overall pick, are the main contenders for the backup quarterback slot for the 2024 season. Rush, who has been with the NFL since 2017, has a proven track record, stepping in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, leading Dallas to triumphs in five of his six starts.
Rush’s Consistency and Experience
This preseason, Rush has continued to demonstrate why he remains a reliable choice, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. His experience and consistency have not gone unnoticed. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has praised Rush’s steady craft and improvement. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," McCarthy commented. "I think if you look at his snaps that he has had this year, definitely quality over quantity." He added that this year's camp has been Rush's best, characterized by keen decision-making and improved footwork.
The New Contender: Trey Lance
On the other side of the battle is Trey Lance, a 24-year-old quarterback acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick last year. Lance has shown promise, including throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders. While still young, Lance's potential is evident, though he has areas needing refinement. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones sees 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," Jones observed. He noted that Lance's mettle and adaptability have been encouraging signs.
Balancing Reps and Development
The challenge extends beyond preseason, as maintaining a quarterback’s sharpness requires constant action, difficult when there’s a robust lineup. Jones noted this, 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?" Nevertheless, Jones confirmed Lance’s spot on the 53-man roster, emphasizing his need for ongoing development. “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."
Looking Ahead to the Final Preseason Game
The Cowboys’ final preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers will be another opportunity to assess their quarterback depth. Both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance have shown they bring valuable attributes to the table. McCarthy summed it up well: "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate." As Dallas heads into the regular season, the decision on who will hold the backup reins could significantly impact their strategic depth and resilience across the arduous NFL journey.
In a league where the unforeseen often dictates fortunes, having such promising talents as Rush and Lance behind Prescott positions Dallas in an enviable, if challenging, situation. Each pass, each play in these final moments of the preseason will not only define the team roster but also set the stage for the season ahead.