The NFL preseason serves as a critical time for all teams, providing an essential platform to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions. This period is particularly important when it comes to quarterback evaluations, as evidenced by the Dallas Cowboys' current situation.
Assessing the Quarterback Depth
The Cowboys find themselves in a unique position with Dak Prescott as their undisputed starter. However, the battle for the backup quarterback slot has become a focal point of interest, with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance emerging as the primary contenders.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been with the NFL since 2017. His reliability has been proven time and again, with Dallas winning five of his six starts when he filled in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This preseason, Rush’s performance has been solid, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards.
Meanwhile, Trey Lance, who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, presents a different kind of potential. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick last year, the 24-year-old has already shown flashes of brilliance, including throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
Leadership Perspectives
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed confidence in the depth of his quarterback roster. "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," he stated. McCarthy has been particularly impressed with Rush's consistency and growth during the 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."
Echoing McCarthy's sentiments, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones also praised Rush's performance. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones commented. However, Jones also highlighted the significant improvements made by Lance. "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."
The Road Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the competition for the backup quarterback position remains intense. McCarthy and Jones both recognize the importance of final evaluations in these preseason games. Jones confirmed that Lance will be on the 53-man roster, but questions still linger regarding his development and 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?" Jones pondered.
Looking towards the upcoming game, Jones expressed a desire to see more of Lance in action. "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."
As the preseason winds down, the Dallas Cowboys' strategic decisions regarding their quarterback depth chart will undoubtedly be a critical factor in their quest for success in the 2024 season. The performances of Rush and Lance in these crucial weeks have provided valuable insights for the coaching staff and management, as they continue to build a roster capable of contending at the highest level.