Jerry Jones Stands by Cooper Rush as Cowboys’ Best Option

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads with their quarterback situation. Cooper Rush has struggled in his recent starts, sparking calls for Trey Lance to step up. However, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones isn’t ready to make that change.

Speaking to reporters, Jones defended Rush and expressed his confidence in the current quarterback hierarchy.

“I don’t know about that,” Jones said when asked about promoting Lance to the starting role, as reported by Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk. “I want to give our team the very best chance it can — in all phases — to be successful. So, we’re going to go here with the quarterback that gives us the best chance to win the game.”

Since taking over for an injured Dak Prescott in Week 9, Rush has struggled to find his rhythm. In three starts, he has completed 58 of 103 passes (56.31%) for 514 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Unfortunately, the Cowboys have lost all three games, with the offense managing just two touchdowns during that span.

This season’s struggles stand in contrast to Rush’s solid performance in 2022 when he stepped in for Prescott and led the team to a 4-1 record. However, with a career completion percentage under 60%, a modest 10/6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and limited mobility, it seems unlikely that Rush can replicate that success in 2024.

Meanwhile, Trey Lance, the former third overall pick, remains an enigma. Acquired by the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick before the 2023 season, Lance has seen little game action. His only regular-season appearance for Dallas came last weekend when he completed four of six passes but threw an interception.

Despite this, head coach Mike McCarthy hinted that Lance could see more opportunities soon. McCarthy told reporters, including Jon Machota of The Athletic, that the team has a package of plays designed for the young quarterback, which could be unveiled as early as this Sunday against the Commanders.

For now, though, the Cowboys will stick with Cooper Rush, trusting that he gives them the best chance to get back in the win column. Whether that trust pays off remains to be seen.