It’s a tough stretch for the Dallas Cowboys right now. They’re preparing to face a loaded and established defending champion squad in their regular-season opener on September 4. Todd Archer is an ESPN NFL Nation reporter covering the Dallas Cowboys. Considering he’s been covering the league since 1997 and the Cowboys since 2003, he has sounded the alarm on their backup quarterback, left tackle and defensive tackle situations. Those questions remain even after the team’s days-long training camp in Oxnard, California and the first two preseason games.
In his latest report published on August 19, 2025, Archer noted that the Cowboys have Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as their backup quarterbacks. He underscored just how important these roles are. This was particularly the case after the Cowboys took a sour 31-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in their first preseason contest. The pressure is palpable as the group hopes to finalize its make-up going into the all important expansion opening game.
Backup Quarterback Dilemma
As the Cowboys’ season kickoff inches closer, we are left wondering just how effective these backup QBs could be. Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, both vying for a critical role in the team’s offensive strategy, have yet to fully convince the coaching staff. Adding further context, Archer noted that a year ago Rush and Lance were both being set up as backups by default. When their performance is being held publicly accountable, the pressure for them to perform increases.
In joint practices against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that it’s important for each quarterback to be evaluated further. He stated, “We have to. But it’s like all these position battles, we don’t have to decide anything right now.” This serves as a reminder that the evaluation process is still very much underway and will continue to influence the team’s final roster decisions.
The need to quickly settle these roles is added to by the team’s disappointing season. The loss to Baltimore raised alarms regarding both offensive and defensive strategies. The Cowboys are running out of time with the season opener right around the corner. They have to address their issues and prepare to meet their formidable challengers!
Ongoing Position Battles
Aside from the QB conundrum, Dallas has questions at left tackle and defensive tackle as well. In truth, the competition for these spots hasn’t produced clear answers in practice or the preseason slate. Archer’s insights reveal that multiple players are vying for starting roles, which further complicates the Cowboys’ preparations.
Schottenheimer commented on this competitive atmosphere by noting, “I told the guys, ‘Get ready, because the couple of practices this week are going to be really physical.’” The focus on physicality indicates that the new coaching staff weighs toughness and physical strength as they continue to put together their depth chart.
Mazi Smith, a star defensive tackle on the team, said he was clearly cognizant of the lofty expectations that have been placed on the team’s lap. He remarked, “This is my third year; the only people that should be expecting anything out of me is our fan base and the people in the building.” This statement reflects both the pressure on Smith as he seeks to establish himself within the team and the broader challenges facing the Cowboys.
Confidence Amidst Concerns
Uncertainty aside, Schottenheimer can’t help but feel excited about what’s in store for his unit. In order to reassure fans and players alike, he declared, “We’re not hitting the panic button.” This feeling indicates that there are real needs out there. Despite these concerns, confidence is high in the team’s collective ability to gel in time before their critical opening tournament match.
Archer’s detailed reporting shines a light on the many unanswered questions in the field. There’s no denying that players have the opportunity to make an impression on the practice field. The Cowboys aim to leverage these final weeks of preparation to solidify their roster and approach their season opener with confidence.
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