Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had high hopes for Cooper Rush as he stepped in for Dak Prescott in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the lead-up, McCarthy even likened Rush’s style to that of 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon. But after Sunday’s tough 34-6 loss, Rush instead joined a less enviable group, including another MVP, Peyton Manning.
Rush’s stat line was rough: 13 completions on 23 attempts for just 45 yards, alongside two lost fumbles—one on a bobbled snap and another on a strip-sack. According to CBS Sports Research, he is now only the third quarterback in two decades to record more than 20 pass attempts and fewer than 50 passing yards in a single game. He shares this distinction with an aging Peyton Manning, who threw for 35 yards on 20 attempts against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015, and backup quarterback Brandon Allen, who threw for 48 yards on 21 attempts for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.
Despite this performance, McCarthy had seen Sunday as “Cooper’s opportunity” and voiced confidence throughout the week. Still, with Rush struggling, McCarthy eventually gave 2021’s third overall pick, Trey Lance, a chance, inserting him for the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys have a difficult decision on their hands. With Prescott sidelined, it remains unclear whether they will continue with Rush, or if Lance could see an expanded role in the coming games.
