Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is focused on helping quarterback Trey Lance find his comfort zone and play to his strengths. Despite the high expectations that came with Lance being the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, McCarthy’s priority is to ensure that the trade for Lance was a sound decision. This is particularly important given that Lance’s performance is being closely scrutinized.
In a recent preseason game against the Raiders, Lance showed notable improvement. After backup Cooper Rush played the first quarter, Lance took over and completed 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and his first touchdown as a Cowboy.
His performance, which earned him a 98.3 quarterback rating, indicated a growing comfort and confidence on the field, even though he expressed a desire to have started the third quarter more effectively.
Lance’s performance in the previous game against the Los Angeles Rams had been less impressive. He completed 25 of 41 passes for 188 yards and no interceptions, but his quarterback rating was only 72.0. Despite this, he led the Cowboys with 44 rushing yards. His play was marked by some inconsistencies, especially in red zone situations, which hindered the team’s scoring efficiency.
During the game against the Raiders, Lance appeared more composed and effective. He orchestrated a 14-play, 76-yard touchdown drive and demonstrated his dual-threat capability with a 20-yard scramble that set up a field goal. Lance also led a 13-play, 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to manage the game and make key plays under pressure.
McCarthy was pleased with Lance’s performance, noting his improved rhythm and command of the offense. The coach highlighted Lance’s ability to handle pressure and maintain a good tempo, which are crucial skills for a quarterback. McCarthy felt that the preseason game was a valuable experience for Lance, showing progress in his understanding of the game and his role within the team.
