The Dallas Cowboys are reflecting on their handling of the quarterback situation following their 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Monday at AT&T Stadium. This defeat marked their fifth consecutive home loss, each by 20 or more points, setting an unfortunate NFL record.

Throughout the game, the Cowboys struggled with red zone inefficiencies and costly mistakes, further compounding their disappointing season.

The absence of MVP quarterback Dak Prescott, out for the year due to injury, also played a significant role in the team’s struggles.

In Prescott’s place, the Cowboys started veteran backup Cooper Rush, with third-string quarterback Trey Lance available behind him.

After the game, head coach Mike McCarthy admitted that one of his biggest regrets was not giving Lance some playing time in a meaningless fourth quarter.

“I think the one thing I should have done at the end that I didn’t do was put Trey in there,” McCarthy said. “I could have got him a series. That’s one thing I second-guess myself on.”

However, despite this reflection, McCarthy announced Tuesday that Rush would remain the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against Washington.

Lance, he mentioned, would be included in a “package” of plays, which has been the same approach since Prescott’s injury.

While there may be some questioning of this decision, it’s clear that the Cowboys aren’t blaming Rush for the loss, even though he personally feels accountable for his performance.

Rush’s low point in the game came in the fourth quarter when, trailing 27-10, he fumbled under pressure.

Rookie lineman Tyler Guyton attempted to recover the fumble but lost control, allowing the Texans to scoop it up and return it 28 yards for a touchdown, effectively ending the game.

Rush, who finished 32-of-55 for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, took responsibility for the mistakes.

“We got to get the ball in the end zone. We keep shooting ourselves in the foot,” Rush said after the game.

“I had a couple of chances in the second half that we just didn’t capitalize on. Starts with me. I missed a couple of throws, dropped a snap.

Against a good team, you can’t afford to make those mistakes.”

Rush will look to redeem himself next Sunday when the Cowboys face the 7-4 Washington Commanders.