The Dallas Cowboys have officially been eliminated from the NFL playoffs after the Washington Commanders scored an unexpected come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving the Cowboys with nothing but future speculation to hold onto for the rest of the season. With three games left and no chance of reaching the postseason, calls have intensified for the team to start quarterback Trey Lance, making him the frontrunner for the chance to lead the offense as the team embarks on its next chapter.
Dallas quarterback Cooper Rush has shown himself to be serviceable, posting a record of 3-3 as a starter this season, with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. Despite these numbers, his play has not surprised—he’s demonstrated consistent issues with ball security and has often lacked the explosive playmaking capability the Cowboys desperately need. With his limitations now more glaring following the team's playoff elimination, fans and analysts alike are questioning whether it’s time to give Lance, the young signal-caller who was once the third overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, his shot under center.
Cooper Rush acknowledged his growth on the field, stating, “I think there could be a comfort level of extending the play with things breaking down, realizing there’s no one around me you have time still.” He continued, “That’s very hard to replicate in practice,” indicating he believes experience leads to improvement. While this experience may be beneficial, the general consensus is this is not enough to justify starting him during these final games.
With Lance, the Cowboys have the opportunity to examine what he brings to the table as they focus on the future. Although his preseason showed promise with his athleticism and ability to extend plays with his legs, Lance also struggled, throwing five interceptions during his final preseason outing, leaving uncertainties around his passing ability. Nonetheless, those who back his starting potential argue these growing pains are well worth the risk. According to Cowboys insider Mike Fisher, “It can still be about tanking or it can be about Organic Tanking or it can just be about having Lance in the game plan.” He emphasizes not only the need for Dallas to evaluate Lance’s capabilities but also the importance of maintaining the morale of the players and fans alike.
Dallas' season has hit numerous roadblocks, and some believe starting Rush has led to stagnation—each passing game without Lance serves only to prolong the inevitable reassessment of the team's direction. The Cowboys are at a crossroads; with playmakers like Rico Dowdle enhancing the running game, it poses questions as to whether aligning Lance with their successful run offense could benefit the team.
Throughout the league, analysts are speculating how Lance could inject new life and excitement back within the team as they look forward to future seasons. His legs alone pose a significant threat to defenses, which could radically change the Cowboys' offensive dynamic. Even through the struggles of Lance’s preseason, Dallas fans seem eager to see what he can do. Reflecting on the situation, one supporter tweeted, "It’s time to see Trey Lance," echoing the sentiment of many within Cowboys Nation eager for change.
Given these perspectives, the next stepping stone for Dallas will likely be to hand over the reins to Lance starting with their upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Cowboys had their postseason aspirations dashed—meaning now is the time to absorb all of the potential lessons and experiences available from their pipeline of young talent.
At this point, the Cowboys have truly nothing left to lose by letting Lance try to command the team. Reflecting the fan base’s sentiments, tweets from supporters have erupted since the playoff elimination, with many urging the front office to give Lance the opportunity to showcase his skills. One user emphasized, "With nothing left to play for, START TREY LANCE," as they pointed to the obvious risk-reward scenario the team now faces.
With Jerry Jones overseeing potential changes, it remains clear he genuinely values the excitement generated by his team. Fans are hoping this translates to field time for Lance—a move expected to pique interest and maintain engagement with the Cowboys' fan base during these otherwise bleak ending weeks of the season. The Dallas Cowboys might be out of the playoff race, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the football world will be fixed on their next moves.
Regardless of which side of the argument fans find themselves on, the decision to start Trey Lance should signal to fans not only the team’s long-term strategy but the recognition of growth, optimism, and revitalization in the face of adversity. There’s something to be said for allowing the increasing pressures of the league to be met with the willingness to invest fully in future talent.
