Dallas Cowboys fans who tuned in for the league's preseason opener couldn't help but have one obvious takeaway from the performance. Why didn't the 2024 Cowboys ever give Trey Lance a true chance? The Cowboys insisted that Cooper Rush gave the team a better chance to win even as the season imploded, and it became clear Rush wasn't taking Dallas anywhere.
Still, the Cowboys remained content to let Lance sit and watch as the season continued to roll downhill. This set the stage for Lance to make a statement in his preseason debut. The quarterback was in complete control and appeared to be the best player on the field.
Facing backups and fringe roster pieces, this is exactly how the Chargers hoped the quarterback would look against inferior competition. Lance finished the night 13/20, helping Los Angeles put up 34 preseason points and tossing two touchdowns. The quarterback accomplished this while spreading the ball around with no Chargers receiver having more than two catches. Finishing the night, making a clear impression that Los Angeles has one of the better backup situations in the league.
Trey Lance tonight:
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025
⚡️ 13/20
⚡️ 120 yards
⚡️ 2 TD pic.twitter.com/aQMvLHffi1
The Cowboys Made a Mistake Not Giving Trey Lance a Chance
For Dallas, the impression is one of disbelief that this level of athlete was simply left on the bench for much of last season. The Cowboys' coaching staff being unable to unlock his confidence and ability is a clear red flag. It is important to note that Lance wasn't perfect, flashing some of the traits that kept him firmly on the bench when the season still mattered. However, what doesn't make sense is seeing the potential ceiling and believing the Cowboys had this talent and still thought Cooper Rush was the better option.
Yes, this production was against inferior options, but it doesn't take away the ability or the clear confidence with which Lance brought to the position. It is fun to imagine what the quarterback might've accomplished if Dallas were brave enough to take a risk and make a move that would've given the franchise far higher upside. Regardless, it wasn't only the Cowboys who took note of this performance.
Lance's preseason debut was a reminder of the talent that caused the San Francisco 49ers to spend a top-three pick on the quarterback. Before the surprise emergence of Brock Purdy, a savvy franchise was convinced the quarterback was their future. This performance serves as a reminder of that and why the best football might still be ahead for the former Cowboy.