As the 2024 NFL season winds down and teams begin preparing for the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in an interesting position: a solid playoff berth secured, but still looking for answers on certain positions to bolster their depth heading into the postseason. In the midst of this scenario, head coach Mike McCarthy has made the bold decision to start quarterback Trey Lance in the team’s final regular-season game against the Washington Commanders. This move has stirred plenty of discussion, as it raises questions about the team’s long-term quarterback situation and what this game could mean for Lance’s future with the Cowboys.
The Trey Lance Experiment in Dallas
Trey Lance, once a highly-touted prospect drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous journey in the NFL. After struggling with injuries and inconsistent play during his time with the 49ers, Lance was traded to the Cowboys in a surprising move before the start of the 2023 season. While many viewed Lance as a developmental project, his athleticism, strong arm, and potential as a dual-threat quarterback made him an intriguing prospect for the Cowboys.
Since arriving in Dallas, Lance has largely been relegated to a backup role behind Dak Prescott, who has remained the clear starter throughout the season. Lance has seen limited action, mostly in practice and some brief appearances in preseason games. However, with the Cowboys securing a spot in the playoffs, McCarthy has decided to give Lance a chance to showcase his talents in a meaningful game. With Prescott’s health and performance largely secure, this decision gives Lance an opportunity to prove that he can still be a valuable asset for the team moving forward.
Why Start Trey Lance Now?
The timing of this decision is crucial. The Cowboys are already locked into a playoff spot, and while there is still some jockeying for positioning in terms of seeding, this game against the Washington Commanders represents an opportunity to evaluate Lance without the immediate pressure of playoff ramifications. McCarthy has made it clear that this decision is about giving Lance a chance to gain experience and potentially demonstrate that he can be more than just a backup quarterback moving forward.
From a strategic perspective, starting Lance provides several potential benefits. First, it allows the Cowboys coaching staff to further evaluate Lance in a live-game scenario, where they can see how he handles the speed and complexity of an NFL defense in a regular-season game. While practice reps and preseason snaps offer some insight, there’s no substitute for the real game experience, especially against an NFC East opponent like the Commanders, who are always a tough matchup.
Second, it offers the Cowboys an opportunity to see if Lance can capitalize on the talent surrounding him. With a strong offensive line, a top-tier receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb, and a productive running game spearheaded by Tony Pollard, Lance has the potential to thrive in a situation where he doesn’t have to shoulder the entire burden of the offense. With Prescott’s presence as the established starter, the team can afford to be patient with Lance’s development, but the final regular-season game will be the perfect time to see if he can take advantage of the weapons around him.
Lastly, this move can also be seen as a potential audition for the future. While Dak Prescott remains the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback, Lance’s performance in this game could impact the team’s future plans. If Lance shows substantial improvement and flashes of the talent that made him a top draft pick, it could open the door for more opportunities in the future—either as a potential backup or as part of a trade to further strengthen the Cowboys’ roster in another area.
The Quarterback Controversy
Of course, starting Lance also raises the question of what it means for Dak Prescott’s future with the Cowboys. While there is no immediate threat to Prescott’s role as the starting quarterback, the decision to start Lance in a game that doesn’t affect playoff positioning could signal a shift in the Cowboys’ long-term thinking. Prescott, who has had a solid season statistically, has also faced criticism at times for his turnovers and inconsistent performances in big games. If Lance can show signs of progress and competence in this start, some will wonder if the Cowboys might explore the possibility of a future with Lance as their QB1.
That said, Prescott’s track record, leadership, and overall performance make it highly unlikely that he would be displaced by Lance in the near future. Prescott is a proven commodity, and the Cowboys’ coaching staff will likely continue to trust him as they embark on their playoff journey. However, the start for Lance could be a wake-up call for Prescott, reminding him that there are no guarantees in the NFL, and that the team will continue to evaluate all positions, including quarterback, to ensure they are putting the best possible players on the field.
Additionally, with the potential for a change at the backup quarterback position, the Cowboys have to consider the future of both Prescott and Lance. Starting Lance may also be a way for McCarthy and the Cowboys’ front office to determine whether Lance is the right long-term backup quarterback option for the team or if they should explore other possibilities in the offseason.
What Does the Game Mean for Trey Lance’s Career?
For Trey Lance, this is an incredibly important game. His career trajectory has been far from smooth, with limited playing time, injuries, and competition from other quarterbacks. The game against Washington could be Lance’s chance to prove he still has the ability to be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL or at least a reliable backup. A strong performance in this game could create new opportunities, whether it’s with the Cowboys or another team. Conversely, a lackluster performance could further delay Lance’s development and leave his future in question.
For Lance, this game is more than just an opportunity to earn a roster spot for the postseason—it’s a chance to regain confidence and prove that he still belongs in the NFL. There’s plenty of pressure on him, but also plenty of potential. If he can stay poised, show accuracy on his throws, and make smart decisions, he could change the narrative surrounding his career.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to start Trey Lance in their final game of the 2024 NFL season against the Washington Commanders is a bold and strategic move that carries several implications. It offers the Cowboys a chance to evaluate Lance in a live-game setting, giving them a clearer picture of what he can bring to the table moving forward. While this move does not signal any immediate threat to Dak Prescott’s starting role, it could serve as an audition for Lance’s future, both with the Cowboys and in the NFL at large. Regardless of the outcome, this game represents a critical moment for Lance’s career and the Cowboys’ long-term quarterback planning. The decision to start Lance shows that the Cowboys are thinking beyond the immediate future, weighing both present and future success as they prepare for the playoffs and beyond.
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