Every NFL preseason is a platform for teams to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions, and the Dallas Cowboys are no exception. The Cowboys, under the guidance of head coach Mike McCarthy and the leadership of owner and general manager Jerry Jones, are delving deep into their quarterback situation as they approach the 2024 regular season.
Quarterback Contenders
At the heart of Dallas’s quarterback depth chart is their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott. However, the real intrigue lies in the battle for the backup position, with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the main contenders.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been with the NFL since 2017. His track record speaks volumes, having led the Cowboys to victories in five of his six starts when Prescott was sidelined during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This preseason, Rush's performance included completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. "Cooper is the same man every single day," McCarthy noted. "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."
In contrast, Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. At just 24, Lance is seen as a long-term investment. His first touchdown for the Cowboys came in their preseason victory over the Raiders. Jones expressed optimism about Lance’s development, stating, "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."
Management’s Perspective
McCarthy emphasized the depth that both quarterbacks bring to the team, saying, "You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We're fortunate." His assessment of Rush was particularly glowing, highlighting the quarterback's impressive camp performance. "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."
Jones echoed McCarthy's sentiments about Rush, stating, "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp." Meanwhile, regarding Lance, Jones's analysis was pragmatic. "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 is clear about Lance's future with the team: "I'd like to see us really be able to have our quarterbacking depth. Specifically talking about No. 19 [Lance]... Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he's going to be on the 53."
Final Preparations
As the Cowboys gear up for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, all eyes will be on the backup quarterback showdown. While Prescott’s position as the starter is unchallenged, the performances of Rush and Lance will provide Dallas crucial insights into its quarterbacking depth.
The outcome of this competition not only influences who becomes the primary backup but also sets the tone for the team’s strategy going forward. With McCarthy and Jones both placing high value on their quarterbacks, the Cowboys look poised to make a calculated and informed decision.
In the end, the clarity and consistency that Rush brings will be weighed against the potential and growth that Lance promises. Either way, the Cowboys are setting up for a season where their quarterback depth could very well make a significant impact.