CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Dallas Cowboys have shown signs of improvement under quarterback Cooper Rush, yet it may be too late for their playoff aspirations.
On Sunday, Rush delivered a stellar performance, throwing a career-best three touchdown passes while running back Rico Dowdle reached a new career high for rushing yards for the third week in a row. The Cowboys overpowered the Carolina Panthers with a decisive 30-14 win, despite being the underdogs.
In just four games, Rush has tossed eight touchdown passes, contributing to three victories while also experiencing a tough 27-20 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, which was mired in a late-game special teams mishap.
Rush noted that he feels he has improved since 2022, citing adjustments in his fundamentals and the value of starting games as beneficial to his development.
Head coach Mike McCarthy lauded Rush’s performance, as he managed to complete 18 of 29 passes for 214 yards, assisting the Cowboys in accumulating a total of 410 yards and achieving 24 first downs throughout the game.
“His poise is impressive,” McCarthy stated. “He commands the huddle effectively and keeps us executing good plays.”
Despite this victory, the Cowboys (6-8) are still behind the Washington Commanders by three games in the race for the final NFC wild-card position, with only three regular-season games left. As a result, their chances of making the playoffs are slim, even with a perfect finish to the season.
Nevertheless, the offense’s enhanced balance gives Dallas optimism for the future. Dowdle, who has been emerging as a promising running back, achieved a personal best with 149 rushing yards on 26 carries.
While he faced off against a struggling Carolina run defense, Dowdle’s confidence continues to grow with every outing.
“His ability to break tackles and his aggressive running style is really impressive,” McCarthy commented. “His decision-making on the field has also been exceptional.”
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is battling through a shoulder injury despite the Cowboys’ dwindling playoff hopes. He recorded nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, marking his fourth season with over 1,000 receiving yards in just five years.
“Lamb is a tough, versatile player,” McCarthy emphasized, stressing the need to creatively get him the ball. “He’s capable of lining up in the backfield and being carried the rock multiple times. His natural running ability makes him a significant asset.”
Lamb believes that opposing defenses are targeting his injured shoulder, evidenced by a penalty against Panthers safety Xavier Woods for a heavy hit during a catch attempt.
Yet, Lamb is driven to keep pushing through his injury for the sake of his teammates, even with playoffs looking increasingly unattainable.
“I always approach things this way,” Lamb stated. “The offense relies on me to provide a spark, so I aim to fulfill that expectation. I see myself as a playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. Therefore, I strive to be a threat every time I have the ball.”
