As the Dallas Cowboys get ready for a crucial Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media on Wednesday. Even though it might sound premature to declare any game a “must-win” this early in the season, it is evident the Ravens have a shot to keep the Cowboys at bay.
Dallas’ defense was thoroughly outplayed in their disappointing 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Their confidence dented, they now have to contend with the considerably more difficult task of facing quarterback Lamar Jackson, the current NFL MVP. Not historically favorable to teams with a 0–3 start, the Ravens are also without a victory. For this encounter, Baltimore needs to be fully prepared.
It appears that others are attempting to prepare besides the Ravens. McCarthy claims the Cowboys have a “secret weapon” that will help them be ready for Jackson. Please start the drum roll.
The Cowboys’ “secret weapon” will help them get ready for the Ravens.
Here’s Trey Lance, Dallas’ “secret weapon” for practicing dynamic play similar to Lamar Jackson’s. McCarthy is counting on Lance’s quickness to prepare the Cowboys’ defense for what lies ahead on Sunday.
Yes, the guy supposed to mimic Jackson is none other than Trey Lance, the quarterback who threw five interceptions in the preseason finale. McCarthy is not expecting Lance to imitate Jackson to the letter, but he should at least try to copy his movements and mannerisms.
He is dynamic, that is for sure. According to DLLS Cowboys, the head coach stated, “We feel really good about what Trey [Lance] can give us there as far as running those scout teams reps, and Cooper [Rush] will handle some of the other things too.” “Lamar is an extremely talented player.”
On taking on Lamar Jackson, Mike McCarthy said:
He is dynamic, that is for sure. Trey [Lance] can run those scout teams repetitions, and we feel very good about what he can offer. Cooper [Rush] will take care of some other stuff. Lamar is an extremely dynamic athlete.
Although Lance may provide an impression of Jackson’s physical prowess, the truth is very different. It is impossible to match Jackson’s degree of unpredictableness, decision-making, and field awareness as the best dual-threat quarterback in NFL history. It is not the same to compare Lance to Jackson after a good round of mini-golf, but it is similar to getting ready for the PGA Tour.
Lance has made 54 rushes for 235 yards over his career. But in just two games this season, Lamar Jackson has already amassed 167 rushing yards. Jackson averages 8.0 yards per carry, but Lance only manages 4.4. It is evident from the data that this comparison is invalid.
It is almost offensive to bring up Lance and Jackson in the same sentence. One has won two MVP awards, and To be fair, McCarthy overestimates Lance’s capacity to emulate one of the most distinctive quarterbacks in NFL history, rather than taking a direct shot at Jackson. Use Trey Lance to be ready for Lamar Jackson, by all means, but do not be shocked if it does not work. On Sunday, we will see how well this plan holds up.
