As the NFL preseason reaches its climax, every team is intently scrutinizing key position battles that could influence their upcoming campaign. Among these teams, the Dallas Cowboys are dealing with a quarterback conundrum that has captivated fans and analysts alike.
A Stable Force: Dak Prescott
At the heart of the Cowboys' quarterback controversy is their undisputed starter, Dak Prescott. His role as the leading man for Dallas is unquestioned, but the intrigue swirls around who will serve as his second-in-command.
The Battle for Backup
Entering the 2024 season, the race for the Cowboys' backup quarterback slot boils down to two main contenders: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Cowboys, voiced his confidence in the trio, stating, "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."
Among these contenders, Cooper Rush stands out with his considerable experience. The 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan has been in the NFL since 2017. His reliability is further underscored by Dallas' success in crucial moments. The Cowboys have triumphed in five of Rush's six starts when he stepped in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Reflecting on Rush's performance, McCarthy shared, "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game... This is clearly, in my time with him, his best camp. His decision-making has been on point."
The New Contender: Trey Lance
Trey Lance, on the other hand, brings a mix of youth and potential to the table. Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance, who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is seen as a valuable addition to the roster. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, affirmed Lance's promise, noting, "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."
Lance's youth at 24 years old offers a stark contrast to Rush's seasoned experience. His preseason performance showed sparks of what he could offer, notably throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' victory over the Raiders. Yet, the question remains of how Lance will continue to develop without significant game reps. Jones outlined the challenge, saying, "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?"
Eye on the Final Preseason Game
The final preseason test for the Cowboys comes against the Los Angeles Chargers. This matchup provides another critical opportunity for both Rush and Lance to make their case. McCarthy and Jones will closely watch how the two quarterbacks perform, balancing quality snaps and tactical depth. Jones emphasized his stance on 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]. ... 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 period winds down, the Cowboys' quarterback lineup remains a dynamic and intriguing aspect of their strategy. With Prescott firmly at the helm, the ensuing battle between Rush and Lance offers a blend of consistency and potential growth for Dallas. Both quarterbacks have displayed qualities that make them valuable assets, ensuring that the Cowboys are well-prepared for the uncertainties of a demanding NFL season.