Dallas Cowboys' Preseason Quarterback Battle Heats Up
The preseason is an essential period for NFL teams, primarily serving as a stage to evaluate talent and make pivotal decisions regarding key positions. The Dallas Cowboys are no exception, especially as they navigate their current quarterback conundrum. Dak Prescott remains the team's undisputed starter, but the battle for the backup quarterback position between Cooper Rush and Trey Lance has added an intriguing subplot to the Cowboys' preseason preparations.
The 30-year-old Cooper Rush, an undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been a reliable presence in the NFL since 2017. His resume includes stepping in admirably for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, leading Dallas to victories in five of his six starts. This season, Rush's preseason performance has seen him complete 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, a modest yet telling contribution to his case for the backup role.
"Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," commented Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. "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."
Conversely, Trey Lance represents a different story. 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 is seen as a developmental talent with significant potential, and the Cowboys' management is keen to see him flourish in their setup.
In a recent preseason victory over the Raiders, Lance threw his first touchdown for Dallas, marking a moment of promise in his journey with the team. Despite the positive signs, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, acknowledges that Lance still has a lot to prove.
"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. You saw that mettle clicking in and adjustments that he hadn’t made, let’s say as early as the week before," Jones noted. "That's pretty promising the way he played out there Saturday."
As the Cowboys head into their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the competition between Rush and Lance remains fierce. However, Jones has confirmed that Lance will be on the 53-man roster, reflecting the organization's investment in his development.
"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 pondered. "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."
In summary, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in an advantageous yet challenging position with three capable quarterbacks on their roster. The balance between giving adequate reps to develop Lance while ensuring consistency and readiness from Rush adds a unique dynamic to their preseason. As Coach McCarthy aptly put it, "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate."
The decisions made in these final days of the preseason will undoubtedly shape the Cowboys' depth chart as they march towards the 2024 season, aiming to leverage their quarterback strength in their pursuit of success.