While Dak Prescott is still running the show, the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback room looks a lot different relative to this time last year. It was expected they would move on from Trey Lance, but Cooper Rush was a different story given his success as the longtime backup.
An unrestricted free agent, Rush inked a two-year deal with the Ravens worth up to $12.2 million. He will make $4.2 million guaranteed. All things considered, backing up two-time MVP Lamar Jackson for one of the Super Bowl favorites is a great turn of events for the 31-year-old Rush.
Unfortunately, Rush's stock is trending down after Ravens OTAs, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
"Rush had some rough outings during the various offseason practices and put the ball in harm’s way too often," Zrebiec wrote (subscription required). "The former Dallas Cowboy will be the No. 2 quarterback with 2024 sixth-round pick Devin Leary competing for a spot on the practice squad. The Ravens will want Rush to clean up the mistakes and play more consistently in the future."
Former Cowboys QB Cooper Rush off to rough start with Ravens
That should sound very familiar to Cowboys fans.
It must be said, though, that Rush was thrust into the starting role earlier than expected with Jackson missing all but one (!) of the team's nine offseason practices. He is also learning a new offense and working with entirely new personnel. Those are understandable hurdles to overcome.
However, it isn't all that surprising that Rush is already making questionable decisions with the football.
While he only threw five interceptions in eight starts filling in for Prescott last season, he tallied a whopping 12 turnover worthy throws and his 52.9 PFF grade was the worst of his career, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He also lost three fumbles, which means he averaged a turnover for every start. He had good turnover luck, too. He should have had more INTs.
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Rush had a great command of Dallas' offense, but he seldom took chances downfield and his arm strength left a lot to be desired. He'd often attempt throws his arm couldn't make and his pocket awareness seemingly worsened with every start he made. He was volatile but conservative at the same time.
The Cowboys won a lot of games with Rush as QB2. The Ravens have a much better roster so they will be able to win games with Rush under center if Jackson were to miss time.
However, while Rush brings a respectable floor as a backup his ceiling is arguably just as high. Once he starts pressing to make plays is when he gets himself into trouble because he isn't gifted physically.
That might explain why Dallas decided it was time to go in a different direction.