In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys have benched quarterback Cooper Rush in favor of Trey Lance for their last game of the season against the Washington Commanders. This decision means that Rush, who filled in admirably during Dak Prescott’s injury, missed out on a chance to earn a $500,000 incentive that he could have secured by playing over half of the team’s offensive snaps. Instead, the Cowboys are focusing on giving Lance, who came to the team from the San Francisco 49ers, more playing time to evaluate his performance going forward.
What’s at Stake for Cooper Rush?
For Cooper Rush, this was a tough break. He had started eight games this season, stepping in after Prescott’s injury in Week 9. Rush had a reasonable performance, helping the Cowboys stay competitive, but the coaching staff decided to give Lance a shot. By not playing Rush, the Cowboys effectively sidestepped an incentive that could have made a real difference in his paycheck. Coach Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys seem more focused on Lance’s growth than fulfilling Rush’s financial goals.
Trey Lance’s First Start
This game marked Lance’s first start since being drafted third overall in 2021. It was a significant moment for Lance, who had a rocky start to his NFL career, struggling to find consistent playing time in San Francisco. In his debut for the Cowboys, Lance completed 20 of 34 passes for a total of 244 yards and rushed six times for 26 yards, showing fans what he can do, despite the team’s eventual 23-19 loss.
Breakdown of the Game
The Cowboys faced a nail-biting defeat against the Commanders in their season finale. With a late touchdown pass by Marcus Mariota sealing the victory for Washington, the Cowboys ended their season with a disappointing 7-10 record. This marks the second straight season under Coach McCarthy that the Cowboys have finished below .500, raising questions about the future of several players and the coaching staff when the offseason arrives.
Future Uncertainty for the Cowboys
Heading into the offseason, the Cowboys are facing uncertainty regarding their roster. Many key players and coaches are set to be free agents. This predicament would mean tough decisions for the organization as they look to improve next year. A potential bright spot is the 2024 NFL Draft, where they have secured the No. 12 overall pick, and they could even climb to the 11th spot depending on outcomes from other games, giving them an opportunity to pick some new talent.
Statistics and Superstars
Despite the tough season, there were bright spots for the Cowboys. Linebacker Micah Parsons ended the season with double-digit sacks for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing his continued prowess in the NFL. Meanwhile, kicker Brandon Aubrey set a new franchise record for most field goals made in a single season, racking up 40 successful kicks. These successes highlight the talent still present in the Cowboys’ lineup as they head into a period of reevaluation.
Impact on Cooper Rush’s Earnings
For Cooper Rush, this decision was especially disappointing. By starting Lance, Rush missed out on achieving the threshold he needed for his $500,000 incentive, earning only $250,000 instead. This raises questions about how the team balances financial incentives with performance evaluations and strategic planning, primarily when determining player value for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys reflect on this season and look toward the future, their choice to pivot towards Lance could dramatically impact their strategy for the following year. While gauging both players gives the team insights into their immediate direction, the question remains: who will be the starting quarterback when the next season rolls around? Fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on their progress during the offseason and the upcoming draft.