Cooper Rush Is Making a Good Impression This Preseason

Cooper Rush is making a case to be the Ravens QB2.  For the last six years, the Ravens’ universe has revolved around one man: Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP is the sun, moon, and stars in Maryland, and any discussion about who holds the clipboard behind him often feels like a footnote. But this preseason, something is different. A new face and a surprisingly compelling narrative are making the QB2 battle in Baltimore one of the more intriguing under-the-radar storylines of August. That new face belongs to Rush.

After two preseason games, the veteran signal-caller is quietly, methodically, and perhaps most importantly, calmly making his case that he’s not just an upgrade over last year’s options, but the exact kind of security blanket a Super Bowl contender craves. It hasn’t been flashy. It hasn’t been perfect. But it has been professional. And for a team with championship aspirations, professionalism is exactly what you need in a backup.

Rush’s Road To Baltimore

His departure from Dallas was, to put it mildly, a bit awkward. A contract incentive missed, a curious benching in the final week. But as Rush himself put it, “It’s business.” That is the kind of mentality the Ravens were betting on when they signed him to a two-year, $6.2 million deal. They weren’t looking for a Jackson clone; they were looking for a proven winner who could step into the huddle on a moment’s notice and command respect.

The Ravens know all too well what happens when Jackson isn’t on the field. The numbers are stark: a 4-10 record without him since 2018, and a scoring average that plummets from nearly 28 points per game to a paltry 16.6. That’s not just a drop-off; it’s a cliff. Bringing in Rush was a direct, calculated move to ensure that Lamar has a safety net.

The Preseason Verdict

If you only watched the first series of each preseason game, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Rush’s first pass as a Raven against the Colts was an interception. His start against his former team in Dallas was equally rocky, gifting the Cowboys an early pick-six. The Twitter GMs were out in full force, ready to write him off.

Rush settled in against the Cowboys, and after a disastrous start, he shook it off. The short memory that coaches rave about was on full display. He proceeded to lead the offense on four consecutive scoring drives in the first half. It was a masterclass in composure. He wasn’t trying to be Jackson. He wasn’t trying to win the game with his arm in a single throw. He was executing Todd Monken’s offense, making smart decisions, and getting the ball out on time.