The Dallas Cowboys boast some of the NFL’s top players on offense and defense. However, one position group genuinely stands out above the rest of the NFC, and the gap is more significant than most fans would like to admit.
The quarterback room is at the top of the ladder for the rest of the NFC, much to the dismay of many fans. Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Trey Lance bring unique aspects to the game that help the team on the field.
Let’s examine what Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Trey Lance bring to the table and how they compare to other starters and backups across the NFC.
Trey Lance is the best third-stringer in the NFL.
Trey Lance currently plays third quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His place on the depth chart may change after training camp, but at present, we will assess him compared to other NFC third-string quarterbacks.
Trey Lance was drafted with the 3rd pick of the 2021 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. In August of 2023, Trey Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
As a Dallas Cowboy, he spent the 2023 season on the sideline as the emergency third quarterback.
As a high-profile player, Trey Lance could be in for a promotion on the depth chart after getting a whole year learning Coach Mike McCarthy’s offense because of his draft pedigree.
A complete training camp and the majority of the snaps in the preseason will show the fans why the front office pulled the trigger on the trade for the young quarterback.
Looking back at his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, one can see the young signal caller’s potential. According to his stats, his mobility and arm strength set him apart, while his accuracy needs improvement.
The accuracy issues can be fixed, but there is not enough statistical data to show an accurate picture of Lance’s throwing accuracy.
Compared to other third-string quarterbacks in the NFC, Trey Lance sits above the rest as far as potential goes. Here is a list of the notable string quarterbacks around the NFC:
- New York Giants – Tommy DeVito or Nathan Rourke
- Philadelphia Eagles – Tanner McKee or Will Grier
- Washington Commanders – Jeff Driskel or Sam Hartman
- Chicago Bears – Brett Rypien or Austin Reed
- Detroit Lions – Nate Sudfeld
- Green Bay Packers – Michael Pratt
- Minnesota Vikings – Nick Mullens or Jaren Hall
- Atlanta Falcons – Taylor Heinicke or John Paddock
- Carolina Panthers – Jack Plummer
- New Orleans Saints – Spencer Rattler or Nathan Peterman
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – John Wolford or Zach Annexstad
- Arizona Cardinals – Clayton Tune
- Los Angeles Rams – Dresser Winn
- San Fransisco 49ers – Brandon Allen or Tanner Mordecai
- Seattle Seahawks – P.J. Walker
A few familiar names are on the list above, whether from their college days or starting a few games in the NFL. However, none of the quarterbacks listed have the potential of Trey Lance.
Remember this: Trey Lance is unequivocally the best third-string quarterback in the NFC and possibly the NFL.
Cooper Rush is the best backup in the NFC.
In 2022, Cooper Rush was called into action when Dak Prescott suffered a significant leg injury. Rush took over the offense and went 4-1.
Many fans were clamoring for Cooper Rush to be named the starting quarterback when Dak Prescott returned.
As good as Cooper Rush was during his short tenure as a starter, he does not possess the intangibles that Prescott brings to the field.
What Cooper Rush brings to the table is a deep understanding of the offense and a strong working relationship with the skill positions. This is the hallmark of a great NFL backup.
We saw the top backup in the NFC step up and seize control in a standout game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Cooper Rush showed his potential and ability when he guided the Dallas Cowboys to a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 of the 2021 NFL season.
Rush’s poise under pressure, intelligent moves, and precise passing were instrumental in leading the team to a vital victory.
Cooper Rush’s composure under pressure and his seamless transition into the starting quarterback role when needed makes the case for him being the best backup quarterback in the NFC.
The list of backups in the NFC is rather impressive:
- New York Giants – Drew Lock
- Philadelphia Eagles – Kenny Pickett
- Washington Commanders – Marcus Mariota
- Chicago Bears –Tyson Bagent
- Detroit Lions – Hendon Hooker
- Green Bay Packers – Sean Clifford
- Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy
- Atlanta Falcons – Michael Penix Jr.
- Carolina Panthers – Andy Dalton
- New Orleans Saints – Jake Haener
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kyle Trask
- Arizona Cardinals – Desmond Ridder
- Los Angeles Rams – Stetson Bennett
- San Fransisco 49ers – Joshua Dobbs
- Seattle Seahawks – Sam Howell
Looking up and down this list, there are big names sprinkled throughout. Former starters are all over and could admirably fill in when needed, but Cooper Rush is the most proven backup in the NFC.
Dak Prescott is the best quarterback in the NFC
Dak Prescott is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC for several reasons, but according to PFF quarterback rankings he is the best in the NFC.
The PFF article stated,
It’s a shame that Prescott’s final game of the 2023 season, a playoff loss to Green Bay, was as big of a disaster as it was, because to that point his 2023-2024 campaign was special. His 89.8 passing grade in the regular season ranked second only to Tua Tagovailoa. His 73.5 passing grade under pressure was No. 1. His 37 big-time throws in the regular season were the most in the NFL, and his 2.0% turnover-worthy play rate was the lowest among quarterbacks with at least 400 dropbacks.
Dak Prescott consistently puts up impressive numbers, showing strong passing ability and decision-making on the field. Additionally, his leadership skills and ability to rally the team have earned him respect among his peers.
Dak Prescott was robbed of an MVP trophy last season and should be poised to put up bigger numbers in what could be the final year of his contract.
His dynamic playing style and his impact on the team’s success further solidify his position as the top quarterbacks in the NFC.
The best position group in the NFC
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback room is the best the NFC from the top down. They have the best at each level of the depth chart.
Trey Lance, a highly touted third-string quarterback, has the potential similar to Jordan Love after learning from Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.
Cooper Rush has proven he can perform well under pressure and win games. He has demonstrated poise and professionalism even when fans and the media were calling for him to be the starting quarterback.
Dak Prescott returned from injury and had an MVP-caliber season. If he can overcome the playoffs hurdle this year and secure a win, he could cement his position as a top three quarterback in the NFL.
This season is make-or-break for these quarterbacks and the coaching staff. The team must make a playoff run and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas.
