FRISCO, Texas — Things got off to a slow start for Cooper Rush when he initially took the helm for an injured Dak Prescott this season, but it looks as if he's not only becoming more comfortable in the 2024 version of the Dallas Cowboys' offense, he's also taking more risks than he normally would; and without those risks turning into giveaways down the field.
Rush has completed 17-for-27 passes of 10 air yards or greater in the last three outings combined, totaling 328 yards and six touchdowns to zero interceptions in more often, as of late, rewarding his defensive counterparts for the rash of takeaways they've been able to generate.
One hand is now washing the other, and it's resulted in a 4-1 record over the last matchups, as Rush chuckles when presented with his 8-4 career record as a starter.
"It means we have a good team," he said with a smirk. "The QB win stat is always a funny one in the ultimate team game. I mean, I'll take it. I'm not gonna complain but, over the years, good defenses and not turning the ball over; and, lately, our defense is getting the ball out and we're capitalizing. The wins are coming as a part of us playing together and everyone doing their job."
As noted, the offense has definitely evolved over the past month or so, in large part due to the impact of Rico Dowdle, as he approaches his first career 1,000-yard season, and CeeDee Lamb gutting through a painful shoulder injury to continually break records for the Cowboys.
But with Lamb now shut down for the remainder of the season as a precaution for 2025, Rush and the depth at receiver will truly be tested.
"His production [will be missed], you can speak on that," Rush said. "But there are guys who are ready. We've got a really deep receivers' room with guys that are champing at the bit to go and play."
It's a room that is, however, dealing with injury to depth players as well, e.g., Jalen Tolbert's pinky and Jalen Brooks' knee, so the degree of difficulty continues to increase for the Cowboys, but it's nothing they've unaccustomed to, at this point.
And, as quiet as it's kept, Rush has now outdueled three Heisman-winning opposing quarterbacks in the past five weeks and, having previously defeated Joe Burrow (2022), the Cowboys' backup is now the only player in NFL history to have defeated four in his first 13 career starts.
With only two games remaining before he finds himself once again in free agency, it goes without saying that Rush wants to keep the good times rolling against the Philadelphia Eagles and then Washington Commanders.
"You've got two left only, and that's all you're promised and, as a backup, you go through stints where you won't play for a while," he said. "You cherish all these moments. You really enjoy it and, I think I've said it before, enjoying getting to go out there and play. … I don't think the future is the driver because you always have something to prove.
"I think that's everyone, league-wide. It's everyone's mindset, usually, as a competitor. Being in the NFL, that's enough."
With that, his focus is solely on what he can do against one of the best defenses in the league in the Eagles, and on their turf, but it's not as if Rush and the Cowboys' offense hasn't proven itself capable of landing a gutsy upset on the road.
Just ask the aforementioned Commanders.
"We've found a better flow, for sure," said Rush. "I think everyone as a group is playing together, and we've just gotta keep it going."
Doing so would also keep the Grinch energy strong within Dallas, a vibe being embraced completely by both the defense and offense alike as the season nears its end.
"It's always fun winning, yeah," Rush said. "Definitely wanna beat Philly."
Definitely.
