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ARLINGTON, Texas — Dak Prescott is set to remain the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys for the foreseeable future.
However, owner and general manager Jerry Jones is faced with a crucial decision regarding the future of coach Mike McCarthy.
Cooper Rush is making a compelling case to secure the backup quarterback position behind Prescott.
Should Rush manage to lead the Cowboys to victory in either of their final two games—one at Philadelphia this coming Sunday and the other at home against Washington—he would finish with a winning record in three different seasons while stepping in for Prescott due to injuries.
In the 2021 season, Rush went 1-0 when Prescott suffered from a calf strain, followed by a 4-1 record in 2022 after Prescott broke his thumb in the first game of the year, and currently holds a 4-3 record after Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury this season.
As a free agent after this season, Rush helped maintain a playoff contention for the team last year but has faced challenges this time, starting with two losses that contributed to a five-game losing streak which impacted their quest for a fourth consecutive playoff berth as reigning NFC East champions.
The Cowboys, now at a record of 7-8, were officially eliminated from playoff contention just hours before their match against Tampa Bay on Sunday night.
Despite that, they achieved a 26-24 win, which significantly affected the Buccaneers’ own playoff trajectory.
Rush showcased a remarkable performance, setting a career high with 226 passing yards in the first half, while the defense stepped up crucially when the offense failed to manage the clock effectively.
In the previous week, Rush threw a career-best three touchdown passes in a 30-14 victory over Carolina.
“I think we’ve seen a player take full advantage of his opportunities,” McCarthy remarked.
“And what I admire about Cooper is his performance improves week by week because he is always prepared. He excels in the quarterback room, consistently ready each week regardless of whether he’s the starter or not.”
Last year, the Cowboys traded for Trey Lance, the third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, intending for him to serve as another option behind Prescott and Rush for the team’s future.
Discussions have circulated regarding the Cowboys’ plans for the young blocker who faced quick struggles with the 49ers; however, Lance’s contract also expires after this season.
The team has remained committed to Rush as their best immediate option for success, placing an emphasis on winning even as their playoff hopes began to dwindle.
This situation hints that Lance may not have a future in Dallas.
Rush, like any quarterback, aspires to have an opportunity to be a full-time starter, but at 31 years old, he recognizes a promising situation when he sees one—even if he was at one time overlooked in favor of Andy Dalton as the backup in 2020.
Rush returned later that season and is now concluding a consistent four-season period backing Prescott.
“This is football,” Rush stated. “This is our profession, and I believe people don’t require extra motivation to put in their best.”
What’s Working: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is refusing to let a right shoulder injury keep him sidelined, achieving at least 100 receiving yards in the first half of the last two games, marking over 100 catches for the third time in five seasons.
This achievement is only matched by two other receivers in NFL history.
What Needs Improvement: The Dallas rushing game struggled significantly, managing only 31 yards in a win, the lowest figure for them in decades.
McCarthy anticipated this outcome against Tampa Bay’s renowned rushing defense.
Stock Up: Kicker Brandon Aubrey made two impressive 58-yard field goals, along with a 53-yarder against Tampa.
He and Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn are in a competitive race for the NFL record for most 50-yard field goals in a season, with Aubrey currently leading with 14 compared to Fairbairn’s 13.
Stock Down: Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton may be better off sitting out the remaining games if veteran Chuma Edoga maintains his health, as Guyton has faced several injuries this year.
Injuries: Linebacker Eric Kendricks was sidelined with a calf injury, allowing Nick Vigil to step in and play a season-high 69 snaps, leading the team with 10 tackles after an absence from defensive snaps for six weeks.
Key Number: 10 — Star edge rusher Micah Parsons is on the brink of achieving double-digit sacks for each of his first four seasons, a feat only accomplished by four Hall of Famers.
Next Steps: Rush holds a 9-2 record as a starter against teams other than Philadelphia but is 0-2 against the Eagles, including a 34-6 defeat in his initial start following Prescott’s injury this season.
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