Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush has won nine duels in thirteen starts, including four this season after Dak Prescott’s injury.
Cooper Rush, Dak Prescott, Jerry Jones (Images via Imago)
The Dallas Cowboys last won a Super Bowl almost three decades ago. Last season, they marched into the Wild Card Playoffs after clinching the division. Fast forward to 2024, the Cowboys are already out of the playoff race with no mathematical probabilities to find themselves in the final fourteen.
However, the Cowboys have somewhat revived their season with quick wins against teams like the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But they failed to secure a single home win for their first five home games, a nasty streak since their Wild Card loss last season. Amid all this, they also lost their star quarterback Dak Prescott to injuries after paying a huge sum.
Cooper Rush, who had less than ten starts in his career, took the helm from Prescott. Despite expectations of losing, Rush has led a shift in their fortunes. After all, along with Micah Parsons, he was able to put some hope into the weakening Cowboys outfit.
However, Cooper Rush’s historic performance is insufficient to keep him in the NFL. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains steadfast in his commitment to Dak Prescott as the team’s starting quarterback. When asked on 105.3 The Fan, if Rush’s recent success made him second-guess Prescott’s lucrative contract extension, Jones delivered a firm response.
No. No. Not at all.
Jerry Jones quipped
His unwavering confidence in Prescott highlights Jones’ belief in the quarterback’s leadership and long-term value, even as Rush shines in a backup role. With three games remaining, critics argue Jerry Jones’ focus on star contracts over roster depth has left the Cowboys vulnerable. They contend that relying on a few marquee players is unsustainable, marking another disappointing chapter for America’s Team.
Cooper Rush breaks expectations with defining games
Cooper Rush has emerged as a standout for the Dallas Cowboys, proving he’s far more than a backup. Rush has etched his name in NFL history with an extraordinary achievement in just 13 starts. He’s defeated four Heisman-winning quarterbacks—Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Bryce Young, and Baker Mayfield—a feat no other quarterback has matched so early in their career.
With a 9-4 career record, including 4-3 this season, Cooper Rush has silenced critics questioning his ability to lead under pressure. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy praised Rush for embodying the team’s resilient mindset. After the win over the Carolina Panthers, McCarthy admitted that Rush has followed a pattern of bettering himself every game.
I think you’ve just seen a man take full advantage of his opportunities. And what I love about Cooper is, you look at his performance, it’s improved every week because he’s always prepared properly. He’s an ace in the quarterback room, as far as getting ready each and every week even when he wasn’t the starter.
Mike McCarthy said
In the close Cowboys’ 26-24 victory over the Buccaneers, Rush’s determination shone with 292 passing yards and a touchdown.
