Jerry Jones praises Cooper Rush after QB matches Roger Staubach feat
It’s safe to say that many were panicked about the Dallas Cowboys after Week 1. With Dak Prescott out with a thumb injury and Cooper Rush the best option at backup quarterback, many were begging the Joneses to bring in an external free agent. Rush didn’t have a stellar preseason showing and fans were worried.
We were all wrong.
In Prescott’s absence, Rush has been far more than you’d expect from a backup quarterback with little starting experience. Although he’s been ingrained in the Cowboys system for many years, it’s still incredibly difficult to face the reigning AFC Champs in what you know is your first of many starts in your QB1’s absence.
Like many have said about him, the backup remained calm, cool, and collected in both Week 2 and Week 3. He had some questionable throws and some clear misses, but he led the team to game-winning drives in both contests and got the job done when it mattered most. On Monday night, Rush completed 21 of his 31 throws for 215 yards.
He’s even put himself in the franchise history books, becoming one of only three (Roger Staubach and Jason Garrett) QBs in Cowboys history to win the first three starts of his career. The 28-year-old is now the 29th quarterback to have at least three starts for the organization and has already put himself in great company.
With the win tonight, Cooper Rush is now 3-0 as a starting quarterback and became the third quarterback in franchise history to win the first three starts of his career, joining Roger Staubach (1969-70) and Jason Garrett (1993-98).
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) September 27, 2022
Cowboys GM Jerry Jones says Cooper Rush has the makeup of a top quarterback after scoring his third win in three starts
Let’s be clear. Legitimately comparing Rush to Staubach at this point is absurd. The man has had three starts in his career. But the stats are what they are and he certainly deserves applause for what he’s been able to do for a team that was thought to be down and out.
To no surprise, the man who was there to convince Cowboys Nation that Rush was “the guy” in the first place is singing his praises. In his latest interview with 105.3 The Fan, Jerry Jones was incredibly complimentary of the backup:
"“Let me say this, he’s certainly playing as well as anybody could have expected. I’m real impressed with his protection, I’m very impressed with the running game that he’s working behind. All of those things he would be the first to tell you make his good play attainable. But I don’t want to take anything away from him.There’s no question he understands this offense, he has got the makeup for a top quarterback – and I underline the word ‘makeup’ for a top quarterback – and we’re very fortunate. The purpose of the backup quarterback in the NFL is to be able to step in and have your team function on all the cylinders without having to give up some of your offense that your starter usually takes with him when he leaves.”"
It is true that Rush has more than fulfilled his role as a backup quarterback. Considering him a candidate for a top quarterback in the league may be taking it a bit too far, but we know who we are dealing with when it comes to the Cowboys’ GM.
Jones has even openly welcomed the idea of a QB controversy, but players and head coach Mike McCarthy know that Prescott is the true QB1 in the building. Now, we can hope that this team won’t rush No. 4 back prematurely and risk further injury. With Rush’s success, the team has been in great hands and should feel much better about letting Prescott fully heal and recover.
