The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves navigating a turbulent season without their experienced quarterback, Dak Prescott. His absence is due to a hamstring tear sustained in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, a setback that prompted Cooper Rush to fill the void.
Rush Stepping Up
Beginning in Week 10, Cooper Rush emerged as the Cowboys' starting quarterback, demonstrating resilience and competence. With a 4-4 record, Rush has shown he can hold his own in high-pressure situations. His completion rate stands at 61.3%, with an average of 209.6 passing yards per game—a solid performance for someone thrust into the spotlight mid-season. Rush's passer rating of 86.6 denotes a level of consistency that has kept the Cowboys competitive.
His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 11-4 ties him for 17th in the league, reflecting his ability to protect the football while still making plays. Notably, Rush is on the cusp of a financial incentive, set to earn $500,000 if he reaches at least 65 snaps in the upcoming week, and has already secured a $250,000 payout for playing over 45% of the team's snaps. Currently, he is at 52.5% of the snaps, showcasing his reliability as a key player in the lineup.
Head coach Mike McCarthy recognized Rush's contributions, noting, "I really like what Cooper's done. I think we all have to recognize the job that he's done to this point." McCarthy’s acknowledgment underscores Rush's importance to the team's efforts in maintaining competitiveness amidst Dak Prescott's injury.
The Waiting Game for Trey Lance
On the other side of the compass is Trey Lance, a promising yet underutilized talent this season for the Cowboys. Completing just five of seven passes for 22 yards, Lance hasn't found much opportunity to showcase his skills. His rushing attempts have resulted in five carries for 15 yards, and he is still grappling with his preseason finale's repercussions—a game against the Los Angeles Chargers where he threw five interceptions alongside one touchdown.
Reflecting on his challenges, Lance shared, "Honestly, any time you turn the ball over that many times, it's easier to smile talking about it now... Yeah, I learned a ton from it." His attitude hints at a willingness to grow and adapt, qualities that may serve him well in the seasons to come.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed a consistent message of improvement for his quarterbacks. "I would say they've all improved. I think Cooper would stand here and say he's playing the best ball of his career and I know Trey is definitely improving." This statement from McCarthy highlights both the progress made by Rush and the untapped potential Lance possesses.
Looking Toward the Future
With both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance approaching free agency as March draws near, the Cowboys face critical decisions regarding the quarterback position. McCarthy commented, "This is the time that you do think about not only the quarterback positions, all positions," suggesting a broader evaluation of the team's roster and strategic needs.
Cooper Rush has proven a steady hand under center and could attract attention from other teams looking to bolster their quarterback depth. Trey Lance, on the other hand, has yet to fully carve out his role within the team. His limited playtime this season leaves room for speculation on how he will develop and whether he will get a substantial opportunity to prove his worth on the field.
As the Cowboys continue to adjust to their current realities, the looming question remains whether they will retain their current quarterbacks or seek new talent. What’s clear is that both Rush and Lance are pivotal to the narrative of the Cowboys’ season, each in their own way contributing to the complexities and uncertainties of the team’s future.
For now, Cowboys fans can take solace in knowing they have two capable quarterbacks ready to answer the call, each eager to prove themselves—whether in Dallas or elsewhere.