The Landry Hat
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This Cooper Rush stat proves why Cowboys need Dak Prescott back

By Lauren Barash

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 15: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys talks with Cooper Rush #7 of the Dallas Cowboys throwing a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 15: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys talks with Cooper Rush #7 of the Dallas Cowboys throwing a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush deserves serious praise for what he was able to do in Weeks 2-5. He was handed an injury-riddled team and tasked with facing two of the top quarterbacks in football and two division rivals. That’s not easy for some starting quarterbacks in this league, let alone backups.

In Weeks 2-5, he had 839 passing yards, four touchdowns, and 121 pass attempts without an interception.

While the backup certainly deserves credit for what he was able to do, the QB controversy that seemed to go on was incredibly uncalled for. Players on the team, including Rush, admitted there was no controversy about Dak Prescott being the starter for this team. Yet fans and analysts continued to ride the Rush Hour train and insist that the Cowboys shouldn’t “mess with success.”

Troy Aikman even said the Cowboys could have a situation on their hands if Rush beat the Eagles.

Even though everyone labeled Rush as the consummate winner who was making it work, there was a lot on offense that actually wasn’t working and could be a lot better.

For starters, Rush himself admitted that his team was winning games because the defense was keeping them in it. The Cowboys have an offense that is currently averaging a meager 17.3 points per game after having the top offense in football last year. That’s not entirely Rush’s fault, but he certainly is a big part of getting his team into the end zone.

This stat from Rich Hribar paints a very clear picture as well.

Cooper Rush’s horrific third down stat shows the Cowboys should be grateful to get Dak Prescott back

The Cowboys’ horrific third-down offense was very apparent against the Eagles. There were several three-and-outs, and the team didn’t even get its first third-down conversion until less than a minute remaining in the second quart.

Rush is the lowest quarterback in all of football when it comes to third-down throws that resulted in a first down or touchdown. Only four quarterbacks were below 30% in that category. That put Rush (22.2%) in company with Davis Mills (28.6%), Kyler Murray (28.3%), and Baker Mayfield (23.1%).

Sure. Prescott didn’t look great against Tampa Bay. He was also without Connor McGovern, Tyler Smith, Michael Gallup, and more. Even if you hate Prescott, you have to be able to see that there is a massive difference between a successful backup and a franchise QB. The hope is No. 4 comes back and shows us all why he is worthy of that title because this team has not found the end zone near enough in 2022.

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