The NFL preseason is more than just a warm-up for the regular season. It's a critical period where teams evaluate talent and make key strategic decisions. For the Dallas Cowboys, this has been particularly significant when it comes to the quarterback position.
Prescott's Firm Grasp and Competing Contenders
Heading into the 2024 season, Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter for the Cowboys. However, the real intrigue lies in the competition for the backup quarterback slot. The primary contenders for this role are Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Both players bring unique backgrounds and skill sets to the table, sparking a fascinating battle that could have significant implications for the team's season.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been a consistent presence in the NFL since 2017. His reliability was on full display during the 2021 and 2022 seasons when he stepped in for an injured Prescott, leading the Cowboys to victories in five of his six starts. This preseason, Rush has continued to impress, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had high praise for Rush, saying, "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."
The Newcomer: Trey Lance
On the other side of the competition is Trey Lance, the 24-year-old who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year and has been keen to make his mark. Lance showcased his potential by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, expressed his optimism about Lance's development: "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."
Jones also addressed the challenge of getting Lance sufficient reps: "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?"
The Coaching Perspective
Head coach Mike McCarthy's outlook on the quarterback room is notably positive. "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, highlighting the depth and talent the Cowboys possess at the quarterback position.
As the preseason comes to a close, the focus will be on the final game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jerry Jones has confirmed that Trey Lance will be on the 53-man roster, indicating the organization's commitment to his development. "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," Jones said.
Final Preseason Showdown
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Chargers, all eyes will be on the quarterback rotation. Both Rush and Lance will seek to make a final impression before the regular season kicks off. Whether it's Rush's experience and consistency or Lance's raw talent and potential, Dallas appears to be in a strong position to handle any quarterback contingencies that may arise.
With Mike McCarthy's tactical acumen and Jerry Jones' steadfast support, the Cowboys are set to navigate their quarterback depth chart with confidence. The upcoming game against the Chargers will offer a last glimpse of how the pecking order is shaping up, ensuring Cowboys fans have much to look forward to as the regular season approaches.