Cowboys' Dak Prescott Backup Cooper Rush Ranked in Top 10 of No. 2's
In a perfect world, injuries wouldn't exist and everyone would stay healthy for a full 17-game season. Unfortunately that is not the case, and as a result having capable backups is crucial to a team's success.
The Dallas Cowboys learned this lesson themselves in 2022, with quarterback Dak Prescott going down in their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead of sinking the season, they stayed afloat after Cooper Rush went 4-1 in Prescott's five-game absence.
Rush's ability to helm the Cowboys offense when his number was called landed him at No. 6 in Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano's backup quarterback power rankings.
"Rush made a name for himself last season by winning four of his five starts with the Cowboys, earning the 29-year-old a multiyear deal to remain Dak Prescott’s backup," Manzano wrote. "It’s wild to think many wanted Rush to overtake Prescott as the starter, but winning games can alter narratives in spite of average quarterback play."
In those five starts he threw for 1,051 yards and five touchdowns, completing 58 percent of his passes while making sure the Cowboys offense never missed a beat with him under center.
Ideally the Cowboys would not have had to deal with a Prescott injury at all, but that was not the case. Having Rush ready to go kept their playoff hopes alive, making sure Dallas didn't lose five straight games to start the season 0-6.
A strong backup quarterback is among the most positions to fill in football. As Dallas continues through OTAs and this offseason working to install a new offense, Rush gives the Cowboys just that, an option they know they can rely on should Prescott miss extended time once again.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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