The Dallas Cowboys have officially turned the page for their Week 18 season finale against the Washington Commanders, announcing Trey Lance as their starting quarterback. This pivotal decision marks Lance’s first start since September 18, 2022, when he played for the San Francisco 49ers, highlighting the franchise's new direction as they aim to evaluate their future options.
For the past several weeks, longtime backup Cooper Rush has been entrusted with the starting role following Dak Prescott's season-ending hamstring injury. Rush started eight games and managed to lead the Cowboys to a 4-4 record, earning praise for his resilient performances. Despite this, his recent inability to secure playoff contention led the Cowboys' coaching staff to seek fresh options.
According to NFL Network reports, Lance's elevation to starter is not just for show; coach Mike McCarthy expressed confidence in the 24-year-old. "He’s been doing the right things," said McCarthy. "If I didn’t think he was ready for this... then we wouldn’t be making this decision." This sentiment suggests the team's commitment to evaluating Lance’s capabilities heading forward, especially considering his potential free agency this coming offseason.
Lance has had limited game exposure this season, completing just five of seven passes for 22 yards, with one interception, and accumulating 15 rushing yards. Nevertheless, he has great expectations for this opportunity. "I think if you don’t think about yourself, then you’ve got no chance, and I truly believe... I feel like I’ve worked to get to this point," said Lance, exuding determination as he prepares for his Dallas debut.
Interestingly, the starting switch also holds financial ramifications for Cooper Rush. The veteran quarterback has been on the brink of hitting performance incentives tied to his playtime. Reportedly, Rush needed to play at least 65 snaps to secure a $500,000 bonus associated with his contract, having played 52.5% of the Cowboys' offensive snaps leading up to the game.
McCarthy’s decision to start Lance seems to have curtailed Rush's opportunities, with observers noting the unusual timing of the announcement just hours before kickoff. The Cowboys' choice has ignited speculation: Are financial concerns really influencing their tactical decisions? Rush’s contract incentives have drawn parallels to past instances of teams creatively handling player bonuses, such as MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates, raising eyebrows about the Cowboys' decision-making process.
For Trey Lance, this outing against the Commanders is not only about personal redemption but also about asserting his potential as a starting quarterback after having faced difficulty sustaining his career following his severe ankle injury last season. The 49ers selected Lance third overall during the 2021 NFL Draft, investing heavily based on his potential. His time with San Francisco, marred by injury and inconsistent play, has left many questioning his viability as a franchise quarterback.
Despite limited playtime, Lance’s previous pre-season performance, including significant numbers against the Los Angeles Chargers, showed his capability to shine if provided the chance. “I learned a ton from [previous mistakes],” he reflected, emphasizing resilience and growth as he prepared for this upcoming start.
With the Cowboys out of playoff contention and facing uncertainty around coach McCarthy's status, this game offers Lance the chance to showcase his abilities amid swirling doubts surrounding QB depth. The outcome may significantly influence not only his future with the Cowboys but also their subsequent strategy concerning their quarterback roster.
Overall, the 2023 season finale is shaping up to be more than just another game on the schedule. For Trey Lance, it symbolizes new beginnings and the true test of his prowess. For Cooper Rush, it’s the disappointing lack of recognition for his efforts leading up to this finale. And for the Cowboys organization, it's yet another pivotal moment as they navigate the uncertain waters of their future.