In a surprising turn of events, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has announced that backup quarterback Cooper Rush will start in the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders, with a specific package of plays designed for third-string quarterback Trey Lance.
This decision comes after a series of challenging performances. Following Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9, Rush stepped in as the starter. However, his outings have been less than stellar. In the Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Rush completed only 13 passes for 45 yards, leading to a 34-6 loss. The subsequent game against the Houston Texans saw some improvement, with Rush throwing for 354 yards and a touchdown, but the team still suffered a 34-10 defeat.
Despite these struggles, McCarthy is opting to keep Rush as the starter. He expressed regret over not utilizing Lance in the previous game and plans to incorporate him in specific situations against the Commanders. This strategy aims to add a new dimension to the offense and potentially spark a turnaround for the team, which is currently on a five-game losing streak.
The decision to maintain Rush as the starter while integrating Lance reflects McCarthy’s commitment to stability and his belief in Rush’s capabilities. However, it also acknowledges the need for adaptability and the potential benefits of utilizing Lance’s skill set. As the Cowboys prepare to face the Commanders, all eyes will be on how this quarterback strategy unfolds and whether it can help reverse the team’s recent misfortunes.
