Quarterback Battle: Inside the Dallas Cowboys Preseason Drama
Every NFL team leverages the preseason to assess key position battles, and for the Dallas Cowboys, the focus has been squarely on the quarterback position. Preseason games offer an indispensable arena to evaluate talent, shape strategic decisions, and solidify roster spots. As the Cowboys head into the 2024 season, their quarterback conundrum has captivated fans and analysts alike.
Dak Prescott: The Undisputed Starter
Starting with the obvious, Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter for the Cowboys. His leadership and talent are beyond question, but it's the battle for the backup quarterback slot that has generated significant intrigue. The primary contenders? Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Cooper Rush: Consistency and Experience
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has become a mainstay for the Cowboys. Entering the NFL in 2017, Rush has demonstrated reliability when stepping in for an injured Prescott. Dallas has triumphed in five of Rush's six starts during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, underscoring his capability.
"Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game," said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. "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."
Rush's preseason performance this year has been steady, completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. McCarthy's sentiments were echoed by Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," Jones said.
Trey Lance: Potential and Promise
At 24 years old, Trey Lance represents the future. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance was originally the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His youth and potential bring a different dynamic to the depth chart.
Lance has shown flashes of brilliance, including throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders. "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," Jones remarked.
However, integrating Lance into the team without disrupting the established order presents its challenges. "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 questioned. Yet, Jones confirmed Lance's place on 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."
Strategic Depth
The Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will be another step in evaluating their quarterback depth. McCarthy's philosophy emphasizes taking the entire preseason to assess these critical positions. "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."
This approach not only ensures that the team is well-prepared for any contingencies during the regular season but also helps in crafting a robust strategy that can withstand the rigors of an NFL season.
Future Implications
The outcome of this preseason struggle holds significant implications for the Cowboys' season. Whether Dallas leans on the seasoned dependability of Rush or the burgeoning potential of Lance, the decision will shape the backup quarterback role that could be pivotal in critical moments.
For now, the Cowboys' coaching staff and front office have expressed confidence in their quarterbacking depth. As the final roster decisions loom, all eyes will be on Dallas, ready to witness how this quarterback battle pans out. With Prescott firmly at the helm and two highly capable backups, the Cowboys appear well-positioned for the challenges ahead.