Assessing the Cowboys' Backup QB Battle in the 2024 Preseason
Every NFL team leverages the preseason to assess key position battles. For the Dallas Cowboys, the spotlight is on the backup quarterback position. While Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter, the competition for the backup role features Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the main contenders.
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. Known for his consistency, Rush has proven his mettle by stepping in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, leading Dallas to victory in five of his six starts. This preseason, Rush’s performance included completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards. His reliable play has caught the attention of the Cowboys' head coach, Mike McCarthy, who praised him, saying, "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."
Trey Lance: A Promising Prospect
On the other side of the competition is Trey Lance, the 2021 NFL Draft's third overall pick. Acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year, Lance is a younger option at just 24 years old. In the recent preseason victory over the Raiders, Lance threw his first touchdown as a Cowboy, showcasing his potential.
Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been vocal about Lance’s progress and potential. "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," Jones noted.
Depth and Strategic Decisions
The Cowboys are fortunate to have three capable quarterbacks in Prescott, Rush, and Lance, a sentiment echoed by McCarthy: "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."
However, the logistical challenge remains—how to manage reps and development, particularly for Lance, without compromising the team's overall performance. Jones acknowledges this dilemma: "The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?"
Despite these concerns, Jones confirmed that Lance will be on the 53-man roster, emphasizing the need for Lance to get more work. "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 stated.
Looking Ahead to the Final Preseason Game
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, all eyes will be on how Lance and Rush perform. This game will provide another critical opportunity to evaluate both quarterbacks and make final decisions before the regular season kicks off.
Ultimately, the Cowboys are in a strong position with their quarterback depth. The preseason has been instrumental in assessing the capabilities of both Rush and Lance, setting the stage for strategic decisions that will impact the team’s success in the upcoming season. With Prescott firmly established as the starter, the development and readiness of the backup quarterbacks will be crucial in ensuring the Cowboys are prepared for any situation that may arise.