Dallas Cowboys—the world’s first franchise to cross the 11-figure threshold and the most valuable franchise for the 9th year in a row—has failed to live up to its big name. With a 7-9 win-loss record after week 17, Jerry Jones’ team would like to end the 2024 season with a win over Commanders. But the burning question: Which QB will step foot in the gridiron on January 5?

After their main QB, Dak Prescott suffered a partial tendon avulsion injury (the hamstring pulled partway off the bone) during the week 9 matchup against Falcons and opted for surgery—ending his season for good—Cooper Rush took over the reins. In 9 games, he has a 4-5 record. Lance, on the other hand, has appeared with a diminished role in two games this season, both ending in losses. The front office has already made their stance clear up until now. But for the upcoming clash, Jones seems to have something else in mind altogether…

During the January 3 episode of 105.3 The Fan, the owner, said, “You know, we’re obviously for, if you will, competitive reasons, we’re basically not saying until game day.” Though he didn’t say the name clearly, he previously dismissed such questions. That shows Trey Lance might play on Sunday. Even NFL insider Ian Rapoport claimed the same during an appearance on The Insiders on NFL network.

“I would expect them to play some guys maybe we have not seen. One notable one I’m told: Expect Trey Lance, their third string quarterback for most of the season, to get some real raps. To see some significant raps in this game. Cooper Rush may still start…Trey Lance is expected to get some raps. And for Cowboys’ fans, and Cowboys in general, there’s a lot they can learn from this game, including what is Trey Lance actually like when he plays,” the veteran sportswriter revealed.

Notably, if Rush doesn’t play, there could be losses awaiting him. Jerry Jones’ team had bonuses for performance in Rush’s contract. He has already secured a $250k bonus by playing 45% snaps. He is already at 52.5% snaps. So, if he reaches 55% time, he would earn another $250k. But he needs 65 snaps to achieve that. So, if Trey Lance starts instead of Cooper Rush, he might have to bear a $250k loss. But let’s look at the bigger picture.

The Dallas Cowboys are already out of playoff contention—for the first time since 2020—since the Commanders defeated the Eagles (36-33) in Week 16. As the Commanders’ official website puts it: “The Cowboys…have nothing to play for”. So it’s understandable why Jones and Mike McCarthy are willing to experiment. And even Lance is ready to take up the challenge and prove his mettle to the world.

Speaking on his self-belief, and whether he’s good enough, the 24-year-old said, “Yeah, absolutely, no doubt…I think if you don’t think that about yourself, then you’ve got no chance. And I truly believe that in my heart. I feel like it’s just where you drive your confidence from, what you have your faith in, and I feel like I’ve worked to this point to get to this point and I’m not going to stop until that opportunity comes and I’m able to make the most of it.”

For the team, both QBs will become free agents after this season. The team has plenty of things to look out for. Despite their win-loss ratio, five players from the franchise were chosen for the Pro Bowl. Starting with the O-line, the WR CeeDee Lamb and guard, Tyler Smith, would be going to Orlando. The defense also had many players, LB Micah Parsons, placekicker Brandon Aubrey, and KaVontae Turpin as a return specialist.

Top Comment by Carlos Rodriguez

Jerry Jones needs to sell the team Jerry is too cheap to bring a Super Bowl to Dallas those days...more

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It’s an impressive achievement. But a bigger issue waits for them. The expiring contract of the head coach, Mike McCarthy. Is he coming back next season?

Jerry Jones talks about the head coach extension

During the same episode, the Cowboys owner talked about the HC situation. He cleared his stance and said, “The hay is in the barn as far as our staff is concerned. I don’t think something would happen out here Sunday that would impact where we’re gonna be as we go forward.” That’s his signature style.

We have seen him confuse everyone by never announcing a clear move. After winning the week 16 game against the Buccaneers, Jerry Jones praised Mike McCarthy. Looks like he changed his mind after the 7-41 drubbing by the Eagles.

The rumor mill is churning out something new every couple of days. According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the franchise would release McCarthy. And he would pursue an HC job at Bears. It’s all in the air now. As Jerry Jones mentioned, the decision has been taken already. Once the season is over, we will find out.