Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Cowboys' Cooper Rush Reveals 1 Key 'Element' In Improvement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Dec 7, 2024 9:01 AM ET

When quarterback Cooper Rush was thrust into the starting role for the Dallas Cowboys after Dak Prescott went down with a hamstring injury, many wanted him to hit the ground running.

That was despite the fact that Cooper had not started a game since 2022. So, naturally, there was going to be a breaking-in period for him, and as expected, his first few outings weren't good.

However, as Rush has gotten more first-team reps at practice and has now played four consecutive games, we are starting to see him more comfortable and confident in Mike McCarthy's system. Coincidence? As it turns out, no.

“You like to think that through practice and through your mental reps, you can go out there and function,” Rush said. “But there is an element of getting back into the rhythm of being a starter, and throughout the week, feel more comfortable, and I think as an offense, we're feeling more comfortable. We're doing things well, and we're executing.”

That word, "rhythm," is something that quarterbacks need. As a backup, Cooper barely got the chance to take many first-team reps, if any, at practice, often only on the scout team, so to be thrust into the starting role was always going to take time for him to get to a competent level.

With a 2-2 record this season, Rush has now orchestrated back-to-back wins against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants to give Dallas' season some life.

Now, we are under no illusions as to what to expect in the remaining five games, but with Rush getting in rhythm, it will at least make the Cowboys are far more watchable prospect.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: