Every year, the NFL preseason serves as a proving ground for aspiring players and a critical evaluation period for coaching staff, especially when it comes to key positions. For the Dallas Cowboys, the 2024 preseason has been no different, becoming a focal point of analysis for their quarterback roster, particularly the backup position.
Prescott's Steady Helm and the Backup Battle
As the undisputed starter, Dak Prescott remains the cornerstone of the Cowboys' offensive strategy. However, the discussion surrounding who will step in as the backup has drawn considerable attention. The main contenders for this role are Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Each brings a unique background and set of skills, making this a closely watched contest within the organization.
Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been a reliable presence within the NFL since 2017. His tenure with the Cowboys has been marked by notable efficiency. When called upon in relief of an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Rush led the team to victory in five of his six starts. This year’s preseason saw him complete 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, a performance that reflects his steady, if unspectacular, approach to the game.
In contrast, Trey Lance, the 2021 NFL Draft's third overall pick, arrives with a high ceiling but a need for development. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, the 24-year-old showed glimpses of his potential during a recent preseason game against the Raiders, where he threw his first touchdown for the Cowboys.
Coaching Insights and Strategic Decisions
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been vocal about the depth at quarterback. “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,” McCarthy stated. His appreciation for Rush’s consistency and growth was evident: “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. That's by design with what we've got going on with Dak and Trey. 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.”
Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Rush's performance in training camp: "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp."
Trey Lance’s Development Curve
Though Rush’s reliability is undeniable, Lance's acquisition has generated significant intrigue. Jones observed Lance’s improvement with optimism: "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. That's pretty promising the way he played out there Saturday.”
However, the logistics of providing Lance with enough reps during the regular season pose a challenge. “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. He stressed the importance of further evaluation: "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 Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the competition between Rush and Lance remains a pivotal storyline. With both quarterbacks showing promise, the coaching staff’s ultimate decision will reflect a balance between immediate reliability and long-term potential. For now, what is clear is that the Cowboys' quarterback room is stocked with talent, bringing an added layer of depth and intrigue to the upcoming season.