The NFL preseason has concluded, leaving crucial insights and decisions for every organization, particularly when it comes to the much-watched quarterback position. Amidst the intense evaluation battles were the Dallas Cowboys, who spent this time assessing their quarterback depth chart behind their star, Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott's Firm Hold
The Cowboys' quarterback situation starts and ends with Dak Prescott, the undisputed starter. Prescott's leadership and skill set him apart, but behind him, the competition has been fierce, and Cooper Rush and Trey Lance emerged as the main contenders for the backup slot.
Cooper Rush's Steady Presence
Cooper Rush, an undrafted talent out of Central Michigan, has been with the NFL since 2017. Despite the odds, Rush has proven himself repeatedly. When Prescott was sidelined due to injuries during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Rush rose to the occasion, leading the Cowboys to victory in five of his six starts. His reliability and consistency have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff and management.
"Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent," said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. "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 preseason, Rush continued to demonstrate his capability, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. McCarthy lauded his progress, calling this Rush’s "best camp" and highlighting the impressive decision-making and footwork he showcased.
Trey Lance's Potential
On the other hand, Trey Lance brings a different narrative. Lance was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, a testament to his raw talent and potential. Acquired by the Cowboys last year from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick, Lance, at 24, represents both a valuable asset and a work in progress for the Cowboys.
Lance provided glimpses of his capability in the preseason, throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' victory over the Raiders. Despite this, owner and general manager Jerry Jones acknowledges that Lance still has much room for growth.
"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," said Jones.
Jones confirmed that Lance would be part of the 53-man roster, aiming to foster his development further. The challenge lies in securing adequate reps for Lance without negative implications for Prescott or Rush.
"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. "I’d like to see us really be able to have our quarterbacking depth."
Coaching and Management's Perspective
Mike McCarthy's experience and strategic insight play a significant role in these quarterback dynamics. McCarthy acknowledges the luxury and challenge of having three competent quarterbacks.
"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, summarizing the coaching perspective succinctly.
Meanwhile, Jones is optimistic yet realistic about Lance's journey with the team. "Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he’s going to be on the 53," Jones asserted, ensuring a commitment to Lance's long-term development.
Looking at the Season Ahead
As the Cowboys head into the regular season, they will benefit from the lessons and insights gleaned from the preseason. The backup quarterback position, often overlooked until crisis strikes, has been a focal point of strategic planning for the team.
Prescott remains the linchpin of Dallas' offense, while Rush's proven reliability and Lance's high ceiling add depth and potential for the future. The trio's performance and development are critical to the Cowboys' aspirations this season and beyond.
The Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers provided a last opportunity for assessments and adjustments before solidifying the roster. With McCarthy’s strategies and Jones’ decisive management, the Cowboys are poised to navigate the complexities of the NFL season with a fortified quarterback lineup.