What Cooper Rush saving the day means for Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott was unable to suit up last night for the Dallas Cowboys. That is typically awful news for Dallas — especially when playing a competent team on the road. The Cowboys obviously felt that they had the cushion to sacrifice a loss for another week for Prescott to heal. Cooper Rush, though, had much […]
Dak Prescott was unable to suit up last night for the Dallas Cowboys. That is typically awful news for Dallas — especially when playing a competent team on the road. The Cowboys obviously felt that they had the cushion to sacrifice a loss for another week for Prescott to heal.
Cooper Rush, though, had much different plans.
The fourth-year backup quarterback filled stepped up in Prescott's absence after having just three career passing attempts prior to Sunday evening. He had his fair share of mistakes, but Rush delivered when it mattered the most.
Rush fed his weapons the ball, and the likes of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Cedrick Wilson rewarded him. The 2017 undrafted free agent threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winner to Cooper — in the 20-16 victory.
Now, as a result, the Cowboys are 6-1 on the season. Dallas has won six in a row, including one without their star quarterback, and are firmly among the contenders in the NFC. With Arizona and Tampa Bay both losing in week eight, the Cowboys actually gained ground in the race for the one-seed.
The Dallas Cowboys gambled by not playing Dak Prescott. With a three-game lead in the division, Dallas obviously felt that it was worth risking a loss on Sunday in order to ensure that Prescott is as close to 100-percent as possible.
As Mike McCarthy said last week, the Cowboys are focused on more than just one regular season game.
“It’s more than just one game," McCarthy said regarding Prescott's week seven status. "We’re obviously in our seventh game, so there is a ton of football left to play.”
The gamble paid off, thanks to a strong defensive effort and Rush stepping up in a big moment.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
