Owner Jerry Jones Prefers Rush as Starter Despite Struggles
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a quarterback dilemma after Cooper Rush’s second consecutive poor outing in Week 11, resulting in a 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans. Rush, who stepped in for the injured Dak Prescott, completed 32 of 55 passes for 256 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. But it was his inability to take control of the game, along with multiple sacks and fumbles, that has sparked questions surrounding his role as the team’s starting quarterback.
Cooper Rush’s Struggles Lead to Fan Frustration
Rush’s performance has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. The Cowboys have managed just 16 points in the last two games, including a humiliating 34-6 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. Despite the high expectations placed on Rush to keep the offense afloat in Prescott’s absence, his struggles in the pocket—along with missed opportunities and a lack of consistency—have raised doubts about his ability to lead the team effectively.
Many fans have even called for Trey Lance, whom the Cowboys acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in a trade last year, to be given a chance. Lance, who has been relatively quiet during his time in Dallas, didn’t see any action during the game, sparking further frustration.
Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed regret postgame for not giving Lance a shot, indicating that the team should explore Lance’s abilities before his contract expires at the end of the season. However, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, quickly made his stance clear.
Jerry Jones Sticks with Rush: A Vote of Confidence or Misguided Loyalty?
Despite the calls for a change, Jerry Jones remains adamant that Cooper Rush gives the Cowboys the best chance to win. In a postgame interview, Jones made it clear that he prefers to stick with Rush over Lance, stating, “Rush gives them the best chance to win games.” This statement came despite Rush’s poor performance and the Cowboys’ struggles in his two starts, where they’ve been outscored 68-16.
Jones’ comments raised eyebrows, as it seemed to contradict McCarthy’s desire to experiment with Lance. The owner’s decision also undermined McCarthy’s authority, especially in a critical moment where team leadership is essential. While Jones was quick to defend McCarthy’s handling of the locker room, he also suggested that issues on the field such as execution and communication were the primary focus.
The reality, however, is that the Cowboys are in a tough spot. Rush’s inability to generate consistent offense has hurt the team, and now, with a trip to face the Washington Commanders in Week 12 on the horizon, the Cowboys must decide whether sticking with Rush is their best option moving forward.
The Future of Dallas’ Quarterback Position
With the season hanging in the balance, the Cowboys must now consider the implications of their quarterback decision. If Rush continues to struggle, the front office and coaching staff might have no choice but to give Lance a chance—if only to see if he can provide a spark. Whether Jones will allow McCarthy the flexibility to make this call remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ success hinges on the play at quarterback, and if they hope to stay competitive, they must make a change before it’s too late.
