A rallying cry echoes through Cowboys Nation! Head coach Mike McCarthy just doubled down on Cooper Rush as QB1, and fans aren’t so thrilled. After years of big-name QBs, Cowboys fans were ready for another splash, but McCarthy’s faith in Rush has sparked a Texas-sized uproar.
Social media lit up with hot takes, with fans questioning if this is a risky move or just plain puzzling. Is McCarthy seeing something fans aren’t, or is he rolling the dice on the season?
Dallas Fans Say Enough With Cooper Rush, Time for Trey Lance
Cowboys fans have had it with McCarthy’s call to keep Rush as QB1 and keep Lance on the bench. After Sunday’s 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where Dallas couldn’t find the end zone, fans were hoping for a shake-up. But with Dak Prescott out due to a hamstring injury, McCarthy told reporters on Monday he’s sticking with Rush.
Big D’s coach doubled down on his faith in Rush despite the numbers. Rush struggled big time against the Eagles: 13-of-23 for 45 yards, no TDs, and two fumbles. With Ezekiel Elliott and Jake Ferguson also turning it over, Dallas went scoreless. Yet, McCarthy defended his choice.
“We have a lot of faith in Cooper Rush. … Everybody believes in him. How could you not, considering how he has performed?”
Dallas fans, though, aren’t convinced. A fiery Detroit sports fan set the tone on X, demanding, “Fire Mike McCarthy and start Trey Lance you cowards!”
Fire Mike McCarthy and start Trey Lance you cowards lmfao https://t.co/sVXpTnUBQ0
— Number 1 Matt Patricia Hater (@ryan_e115) November 11, 2024
Frustrated by the lack of opportunities given to the former high draft pick Lance, others chimed in with similar outrage.
“Why did we trade for Trey Lance to never give him a legitimate look?” one fan questioned.
Why did we trade for Trey Lance to never give him a legitimate look?
— Matt Goodman (@chefmattg17) November 11, 2024
“If Cooper Rush is starting over Trey Lance, that just speaks to how bad Lance has been in practice. Which sucks because I want Lance to get more in game experience,” another noted.
If Cooper Rush is starting over Trey Lance, that just speaks to how bad Lance has been in practice.
Which sucks because I want Lance to get more in game experience
— Nik Atanackovic (@Nik_Atanackovic) November 11, 2024
The criticism piled up, and fans added salt to the wound: “Time to tank in Dallas,” one fan declared, sensing a long season ahead.
“So Trey Lance is not the guy, got it,” another added.
“Lance needs more reps, but i was told u wanna ‘develop’ him,” a third commented.
For now, Dallas fans are left waiting, watching, and wondering if McCarthy’s faith in Rush will pay off or if the season will spiral as fans fear.
Why Aren’t the Cowboys Starting Trey Lance?
Why not start Lance? That’s the question Dallas fans keep throwing at McCarthy. The head coach’s answer, though, was experience, consistency, and the pressure to win now.
With his own contract expiring in 2024, McCarthy is focused on proven stability rather than potential upside. While limited, Rush is a known commodity. Lance, on the other hand, brings raw athleticism but lacks in-game reps.
The 61-year-old explained that Lance is still adjusting to Dallas’ system, particularly his footwork in the passing game, and is “just young and needs an opportunity to play.” But, as McCarthy pointed out, in-season isn’t the easiest time to groom a young quarterback.
Adding to this, almost everyone on Dallas’ roster is on an expiring contract. McCarthy sees Lance’s promise but feels as though sticking with Rush’s steadiness is the safer route in a do-or-die season.
However, fans feel like Lance’s athleticism — like his 46-yard preseason TD run against the Los Angeles Chargers — could be exactly what the Cowboys need to ignite their offense. If McCarthy’s safe choice falters, the calls for Lance will only grow louder.