From the moment the offseason began, QB2 seemed like a foregone conclusion on the Dallas Cowboys. In week 9 of the 2021 season, Cooper Rush solidified himself in Cowboys lore by beating the Minnesota Vikings, on the road, in dramatic fashion.
Not since Garrett Gilbert entered the preseason in 2021, did the back-up QB position seem so unshakeable. But like Gilbert in 2021, Cooper finds himself on shaky ground and may lose the position he was all-but-assured to win.
Will Grier has been outperforming Cooper Rush in training camp and now has a shot at QB2 on the Dallas Cowboys.
Rush, 28, has been in and out of the Dallas Cowboys organization since 2017. He knows the offense, coaching staff, and personnel as well as anyone. After building a reputation as check-down passer who avoids mistakes but also rarely throws past the sticks, Rush silenced his doubters in 2021 throwing for 8.9 intended air yards per pass attempt. That’s more Dak Prescott, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers, for a little perspective.
Rush proved in Minnesota he wasn’t just a guy that avoided mistakes. He was a guy who could make the big plays when called upon as well. The game was his shinning moment and there’s no question that if he was playing like that today, he’d be the clear-cut QB2 right now.
But he’s not playing like that.
Will Grier, on the other hand, is playing like he belongs in this league. Grier has been delivering the ball with confidence and precision this camp. Boasting the “it” factor, it’s hard not to see Grier on another level than most back-up QBs.
The former third round pick out of West Virginia has clearly taken a step in his development, and the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff has taken notice…
"“I think Will has made a step,” said Mike McCarthy. “Clearly. I think Will has done a really nice job with his reps. You can feel the command…I do think he has the type of playmaking ability to not only make plays in the pocket but out of the pocket.”"
With the offensive line struggling, the Dallas Cowboys will likely place added value on guys who can make plays outside of the pocket. Tyler Biadasz (center) and Terence Steele have been struggling in pass protection in camp, and Kellen Moore’s offensive attack may need to adapt to these less-than-ideal circumstances.
Grier’s ability to move, create, and go off-script could be what separates him from Rush. Like Prescott, Grier looks like a bona fide gamer (someone who steps up when the pressure’s on). But unless he proves that in actual games, we’ll never know.
Grier suffered, what appeared to be groin injury, earlier in the week. As of this moment, his status for Saturday’s game in Denver is unknown. With more games yet to play in the preseason, the Cowboys needn’t be rushed to get Grier on the field, but at the same time the clock is ticking and the back-up QB position has the potential to make a big difference this season (see also: Dak getting sacked every flippin’ drop-back in training camp).
QB2 was Cooper Rush’s job to lose and that has not changed. Will Grier will have to get on the field and prove his ability in game situations in order to unseat his competition. And he was on track to do just that until that groin injury pressed the pause button.
When will the competition resume?
We hope Saturday, but that seems less likely by the moment. But this battle is legit and up until now, Will Grier looks like the best QB on this roster not named “Dak.”
One of the better battles to watch the second half of this preseason is the battle for QB2.
- Published on 08/12/2022 at 16:01 PM
- Last updated at 08/12/2022 at 13:13 PM