In a season marred by disappointment and a concerning 3-5 record, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves turning once again to veteran backup quarterback Cooper Rush. As franchise QB Dak Prescott faces an extended absence due to a partial avulsion of his right hamstring, the Cowboys’ hopes of salvaging their season now rest upon Rush’s capable shoulders.
A Familiar Savior
This isn’t the first time Cooper Rush has been called upon to steady the ship. In 2022, when Prescott suffered a broken right thumb in a dispiriting Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rush stepped in and helped keep the Cowboys’ season afloat. Over a five-game stretch, he guided the team to a 4-1 record, showcasing poise, accuracy, and a firm grasp of the offense.
Now, with the stakes even higher and the season on the brink, the Cowboys are banking on Rush to deliver once more. “I mean, we’re just trying to beat Philly,” Rush said, referring to the upcoming crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. “That’s kind of our approach this week. Gotta take them one at a time.”
Unwavering Confidence
Despite the daunting task ahead, the Cowboys’ locker room remains steadfast in their belief in Cooper Rush. Edge rusher Micah Parsons, who is expected to return from a month-long absence due to a high ankle sprain, expressed his faith in the backup QB:
“I still believe we can make a run. I’ve seen what Cooper Rush can do. That’s a good boy right there. Cooper Rush got a lot of talent. He won games for us by just doing the basics, just playing good football.”
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb echoed those sentiments, stating, “We know what Coop can do. The confidence is still there. Stand in there and deliver.”
Rush’s track record from the 2022 season serves as a source of reassurance for his teammates. In his first start that year, he led the Cowboys to a victory over the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals. He followed that up with wins against playoff-bound teams like the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.
Challenges Ahead
While the confidence in Cooper Rush is evident, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule features formidable opponents, including a rematch with the undefeated Eagles, who handed Rush his lone loss as a starter in 2022.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding Dak Prescott’s recovery timeline looms large. According to sources close to the situation, the star QB suffered a serious hamstring injury, with part of the muscle pulling off the bone. While the Cowboys have yet to place him on injured reserve, multiple reports suggest he could miss more than four weeks.
Coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the severity of Prescott’s injury, stating, “I think that would be his goal (to play again this season). I know he wants to keep playing, but I think it’s important to go through the process and gather all of the information. This is obviously a serious injury.”
Rush’s Approach
Amidst the mounting pressure and heightened expectations, Cooper Rush remains grounded in his approach. Rather than trying to emulate Prescott’s style of play, he trusts in his own abilities and the offensive system.
“You play a ton of ball in college, it’s stuff you’ve been doing your whole life, trust who you are and the system is the system. You do what you’re supposed to do. You do what you’re coached to do.”
Rush also draws confidence from his increased experience, stating, “The more games you play, the more reps you bank, you put in your library, you draw on those. So (I) feel confident in that.”
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for a season-defining stretch with Cooper Rush at the helm, the team’s unwavering faith in their backup quarterback will be put to the ultimate test. Can Rush recapture the magic of his 2022 run and guide the Cowboys back into playoff contention? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the confidence in the locker room remains unshaken.
