The NFL preseason is a pivotal period for teams to evaluate their rosters and make critical decisions, particularly concerning key positions such as quarterback. For the Dallas Cowboys, this year's preseason posed an intriguing battle for the backup quarterback slot behind their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Cowboys' quarterback depth chart features Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the primary contenders for the backup role. Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been with the NFL since 2017. When it comes to stepping in for an injured Prescott, Rush has a commendable record. He has led Dallas to victories in five of his six starts during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This preseason, Rush completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, demonstrating consistency and reliability.
Head coach Mike McCarthy had high praise for Rush's consistency and performance. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," McCarthy remarked. He added, "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."
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, echoed McCarthy's sentiments about Rush. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones stated, underlining the high level of competition for the backup spot.
While Rush has established himself as a reliable understudy, the addition of Trey Lance to the Cowboys' roster introduces a dynamic element to the competition. Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. At 24 years old, he represents a younger option with substantial potential. Lance showcased his skills by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders, a moment that highlighted his progress and adaptation to the team.
Jones acknowledged the need for Lance to gain more experience and continue his 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," Jones observed. He added, "That's pretty promising the way he played out there Saturday."
Moreover, Jones raised a pertinent issue about Lance's future 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?" Securing valuable playing time for Lance without compromising the team's stability remains a challenge for the Cowboys' coaching staff.
With the Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on the horizon, Jones is keen to see more of what Lance can offer. "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 confirmed, ensuring Lance's place on the roster.
As the Cowboys gear up for the regular season, the decisions made during these preseason games will undoubtedly influence their strategic direction. With Prescott leading the charge, the battle-ready backup options of Rush and Lance provide a robust quarterbacking depth for Dallas. The intersection of experience and youthful potential in this competition embodies the essence of the NFL preseason – evaluation, strategic decision-making, and preparation for the rigors of the season ahead.