Yes, 2024 has been a less-than-ideal season for the Dallas Cowboys. … From injuries to quarterback Dak Prescott, a rough start defensively, and a 7-8 record that has them out of playoff contention.
However, the Cowboys have turned it up over the last five games thanks to improved play from Cooper Rush and the defense.
Rush has started the last seven weeks for the Cowboys, holding a 4-3 record on the season, and a lifetime starting record of 9-4.
Rush, in visiting with the media this week, couldn’t help but smile at that fact.
Dec 9, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“It means we have a good team,” he said with a grin. “The QB win stat is always a funny one in the ultimate team game. I mean, I’ll take it. I’m not gonna complain but, over the years, good defenses and not turning the ball over; and, lately, our defense is getting the ball out and we’re capitalizing.
“The wins are coming as a part of us playing together and everyone doing their job.”
Rush has been a backup with the Cowboys since 2017, save for a stint with the Giants practice squad in 2020. However, after the season, Rush is once again headed for free agency. He is hoping to maintain the success that he’s had over the last few weeks while still enjoying the ride.
“You’ve got two left only, and that’s all you’re promised and, as a backup, you go through stints where you won’t play for a while,” he said. “You cherish all these moments. You really enjoy it and, I think I’ve said it before, enjoying getting to go out there and play. … I don’t think the future is the driver because you always have something to prove.”
“I think that’s everyone, league-wide. It’s everyone’s mindset, usually, as a competitor. Being in the NFL, that’s enough.”
In his career, Rush has completed 61 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,316 yards on 315 completions, with a 19-8 touchdown-interception ratio.
That ratio in particular is Rush’s biggest improvement this year, throwing 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions, including only one pick in his last five games. Over his last three, he’s 17-for-27 on passes of 10 air yards or more, none of them being interceptions.
Over the last two weeks of the season, the Cowboys will be dealing with a short-handed wide receiver room. With CeeDee Lamb shut down for the remainder of the season, and uncertainty with Jalen Tolbert’s pinky injury and Jalen Brooks’ knee. However, Rush isn’t too concerned about the loss of Lamb.
“His production [will be missed], you can speak on that,” Rush said. “But there are guys who are ready. We’ve got … guys that are champing at the bit to go and play.”
With matchups in Philadelphia against the Eagles and at home agains the Commanders to close out the season, Rush and the Cowboys are hoping to remain competitive down the stretch. Rush is solely focused on what he can do against the two squads, hoping to end the season on a win streak – knowing nothing is “promised.”
