The Dallas Cowboys are navigating the turbulent waters of the NFL season without their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, who is sidelined with a hamstring tear suffered in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Into the breach steps Cooper Rush, who has admirably taken over the reins as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback from Week 10 onwards. While Rush’s performance may not boast the marquee brilliance of Prescott, it’s worthy of analysis for its consistency and resilience as the season unfolds.
Stepping Up: Cooper Rush at the Helm
Cooper Rush has compiled a respectable 4-4 record since assuming the starting quarterback duties. With a completion rate of 61.3% and averaging 209.6 passing yards per game, Rush has proven to be a stable, if unspectacular, presence on the field. His passer rating, a steady 86.6, speaks to his ability to manage the game and avoid costly mistakes. Rush's 11-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio ties him for 17th in the league, a testament to his effective decision-making in high-pressure scenarios.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has not been shy in expressing his admiration for Rush's efforts, stating, "I really like what Cooper's done. I think we all have to recognize the job that he's done to this point." Indeed, Rush’s contributions have kept the Cowboys in the playoff hunt, embodying the mantra that football is the quintessential next-man-up sport.
However, the job is not without its rewards. Rush stands to earn a substantial $500,000 incentive for participating in at least 65 snaps in the upcoming week, alongside an additional $250,000 for playing over 45% of the team's snaps—a benchmark he is currently achieving at 52.5%.
The Trey Lance Conundrum
Elsewhere in the quarterback room, the spotlight briefly shifts to Trey Lance, who has shown flashes of promise interspersed with moments of inexperience throughout the season. With only five completions out of seven attempts for a mere 22 yards, coupled with one interception and five rushes for 15 yards, Lance's limited time on the field has been a learning curve. "Honestly, any time you turn the ball over that many times, it's easier to smile talking about it now... Yeah, I learned a ton from it," explained Lance, reflecting on his struggles during the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, which featured five interceptions and a single touchdown.
Despite the challenges, McCarthy remains optimistic about the development of his quarterbacks. "I would say they've all improved. I think Cooper would stand here and say he's playing the best ball of his career and I know Trey is definitely improving," McCarthy remarked, shedding light on the dual focus of winning games in the short term while grooming potential talent for the future.
An Uncertain Future
Both quarterbacks face an offseason of uncertainty, as they will become free agents as March approaches, leaving the Cowboys with pivotal decisions to make. "This is the time that you do think about not only the quarterback positions, all positions," McCarthy noted, suggesting that the Cowboys’ front office will engage in deep evaluations across their roster.
For Rush, every practice and game is another opportunity to solidify his case—both to the Cowboys and other potential suitors. "Every practice, every game. It's nothing new," Rush acknowledged, succinctly capturing the essence of what may be the most critical juncture of his career.
As we journey deeper into the season, the Cowboys' ability to adapt will continue to be tested. While Dak Prescott’s absence is undoubtedly felt, the measures by which Cooper Rush and Trey Lance seize their opportunities will play a significant role in shaping the team’s fortunes and their respective futures in the NFL.