The NFL preseason is a unique and critical period for assessing potential and refining strategies, particularly for key positions like quarterback. This year, the Dallas Cowboys are keenly focusing on the battle for their backup quarterback slot as they prepare for the 2024 season. The contenders? Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Dag Prescott, Dallas' undisputed starter, is the keystone of the quarterback lineup, but the competition for the backup role has become one of the most talked-about facets of the Cowboys' preseason. Head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Jerry Jones are vocal in their evaluations, providing insight into the team's depth and potential.
Cooper Rush's Consistency and Contributions
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been a reliable presence since he entered the NFL in 2017. His experience is underscored by notable performances filling in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where Dallas secured wins in five out of his six starts.
This year, Rush's preseason contributions included completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. According to McCarthy, "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." McCarthy added, "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."
Jerry Jones also echoed these sentiments, stating, “Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp." The backing from both the head coach and the general manager underscores Rush's steady hand and value to the team.
Trey Lance's Potential and Promise
Trey Lance, on the other hand, was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick the previous year. At 24 years old, Lance is seen as a quarterback with substantial upside, despite having room to grow in his role. McCarthy's confidence in Lance is apparent: "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate."
Lance showcased his potential by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders. Jones commented on Lance's progression, 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." He further elaborated on the QB's progress, "You saw that mettle clicking in and adjustments that he hadn’t made, let’s say as early as the week before. That's pretty promising the way he played out there Saturday."
Decision Time Nears
As the Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers looms, the decision on who will cement their role as Prescott's backup is drawing closer. Jones has been transparent about the logistics and challenge of getting Lance sufficient reps without hindering the progress of Prescott or Rush. "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" Jones explained.
Nevertheless, Jones has made it clear that he envisions Lance as a crucial part of the Cowboys' future. "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."
As the preseason evaluation period concludes, the battles on the field are as much about skill as they are about strategy and foresight. With decisions from McCarthy and Jones shaping the roster, the Cowboys aim to leverage their quarterback depth—a position where both veteran steadiness and youthful promise can play a pivotal role in the 2024 season.