The NFL preseason invariably serves as a proving ground for all 32 teams, offering a crucial platform to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions. This period is particularly vital for franchises facing significant position battles, and none more so than the Dallas Cowboys' dilemma around their quarterback position.
Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter for the Cowboys, anchoring the offense with his experience and skill. However, the question of who will act as his understudy has created considerable intrigue. The battle for the backup quarterback slot for the 2024 season narrows down to Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been steadily proving his worth since entering the NFL in 2017. When Prescott was sidelined with injuries during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Rush stepped in admirably, leading the Cowboys to victory in five out of his six starts. This year’s preseason performance from Rush included completing 3 of 6 passes for a total of 50 yards.
Lance, a much younger contender at 24, comes with a different pedigree. Selected as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. During the preseason, Lance showed glimpses of his potential by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' victory over the Raiders.
A Balancing Act
Head coach Mike McCarthy must carefully navigate this competition. "I think just like anything, you play this all the way out," McCarthy said. "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate."
McCarthy has expressed high praise for Rush, emphasizing his consistency and the quality of his training camp. "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."
High Hopes for Trey Lance
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones also shared his insights, pointing to Lance's progress and potential. "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, Jones acknowledges the challenge of keeping Lance sharp without negatively impacting 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 pondered.
Still, Jones is committed to seeing more action from Lance. "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."
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys approach their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the coaching staff and management faced the challenge of fine-tuning their roster. With Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter, the focus remains on who will seize the backup role between Rush and Lance.
Rush's experience, consistency, and proven track record give him a solid claim. On the other hand, Lance's youth, raw talent, and potential make him an intriguing candidate for the future. In any event, the Cowboys appear to be in an enviable position, boasting depth and talent at one of the most crucial positions in football.
As McCarthy aptly stated, “You can never have enough good quarterbacks.” The Dallas Cowboys' preseason has indeed been a testament to this philosophy, providing a fascinating glimpse into their strategic preparations for the season ahead.