On Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys were on the right track as they defeated Joe Burrow and his Cincinnati Bengals team for their second consecutive loss. Dak Prescott was not with the Cowboys, but they held off the Bengals to win 20-17. Cooper Rush, the backup quarterback, led his team to their first victory of the campaign.
Rush was 19-of 35 on his passes, with 235 yards and a touchdown. He also had zero interceptions during his Cowboys debut. Jerry Jones, Dallas’ general manager and owner of the team, was glowing about Rush’s performance after the game. He also discussed Rush’s new role in Prescott’s injury (via NFL reporter Ed Werder ESPN).
Jerry Jones believes Cooper Rush’s performance proves that the Cowboys are a good team at QB. He said that Dak Prescott’s team record is not important. He can return to the field once he is able to grip the ball again because of his injury.
Jerry Jones says Cooper Rush performance confirms #Cowboys have proper depth at QB. He says team’s record not a factor in when Dak Prescott returns. The nature of injury allows him return once he can grip the ball again. pic.twitter.com/uAJ5lGilYe
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 18, 2022
Rush was the Cowboys’ last-minute leader, scoring a field goal to put his team within striking distance. As the clock was running out, kicker Brett Maher scored a 50-yard field goal.
Cooper Rush was under a lot pressure entering their Week 2 contest. He delivered. With their decision to not sign a new quarterback in Prescott’s absence, Rush made the Cowboys’ front office look great.
Jones suggested that Dak is not going to be hurrying the Pro Bowl QB from his thumb surgery. Prescott looks capable of replacing Rush, giving the Cowboys more flexibility in this area.