Analysis
10/13/22
7 min read
Coach 'Em Up: An Open Letter to Cowboys QB Cooper Rush
Dear Cooper,
I just completed viewing the Dallas Cowboy's last three games against the Giants, Commanders, and Rams. Frankly, I could not be more impressed with your team, your coaches and your individual play to overcome the loss of Dak Prescott since Week 1.
Heading into a key divisional matchup this Sunday night against the Eagles, I wanted to give you an objective evaluation of your performance thus far, which leads easily into the game amidst the noise and chaos in Philadelphia, and most importantly what you need to do to continue to stack another win for your Cowboys.
In your final year at Central Michigan, a MAC school, you were a third-team all-conference selection and an undrafted free agent by Dallas. What you have accomplished on the field this season, going 4-0 as the starter is nothing short of remarkable, and as the tape clearly validates, your input has been dramatic. However, I am sure you agree, you have not done it alone.
In professional football, first-time success at the QB position, especially in a backup role, can bring the "noise of success." With that comes so many distractions from family, fans, your agent and, of course, the media. Managing your success best comes with the humility of knowing and respecting all the moving parts that have brought you to this moment.
Your team is playing continuity football. There has been great defense with a dominant pass rush, thoughtful play-calling and strong offensive line play with exceptional pass protection and run-blocking.
Cooper, you have done your part as well by playing efficiently throughout (except for two interceptions versus the Commanders) and not just giving your team a chance to win, but also making plays to help them win. I believe this has set you apart from many who have stepped up in moments like this.
The tape also validates the masterful job offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has done from a play-calling perspective, and it is clear from the diversity of play selection that you have earned his trust. It is clear to me from the calls over the past three games that you have earned the trust of not only Coach Moore but the entire coaching staff. Kellen has not held back and has shown total confidence in using the entire playbook.
Let's review some of the things we have learned about you and the Cowboys over the past three weeks:
1. Coach Moore is giving you the "candy store" completions by giving you the freedom to hit wide receivers on the line of scrimmage in the quick game.
Even though a run is called, when you see the cornerback playing off Noah Brown (circled below), Coach Moore allows you the option take one step and kick the ball out for an easy completion.
The play below shows great design, and your read allows CeeDee Lamb (circled below) to get open for a quick throw and run after catch. This is an example of the excellent pass protection provided by your offensive line and your quick decision-making that has shown up in all three games.
2. Unlike with a lot of backups who take over for an injured starter, Coach Moore has not shied away from the drop-back game. You have handled this with a veteran quality, delivering:
A. In the field: This pass below illustrates the quality of your pass protection and your arm talent. This is a 40-yard rope to Lamb.
B. In the red zone: With first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, this pinpoint fade (below) to Lamb broke a 13-13 tie versus the Giants in the fourth quarter.
C. Extending the play: You've also shown the ability to get outside the pocket, in this case making a big time throw for a touchdown to Michael Gallup (below).
3. Coach Moore has complimented the run game by allowing you to throw deep play-action shots to the sideline and up the field. This is because your offensive line, for the most part, has provided more than adequate pass protection (below) and a complementary run game.
The utilization of play-action stands out over the three games because of your line's ability to pass protect, and your arm talent and timing to make the throws (below).
4. On this play (below), you showed sufficient ability to use your legs to get the Cowboys in field-goal range.
5. What is clearly illustrated below is your incredible toughness in the framework of the pocket, particularly last week against the Rams. I was extremely impressed with the way you protected the ball after turning it over twice the previous week against the Commanders.
Cooper, this was incredibly impressive seeing you stand in the pocket to complete this pass to Lamb while simultaneously taking a hit in the chest from Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (below).
On this first-down play-action pass in the second quarter of last week's game against the Rams (below), you courageously stood in the pocket and delivered a strike on a deep hook route to Michael Gallup on the sideline. Once again, you took a simultaneous hit in the chest by defensive end A'Shawn Robinson.
6. What may be most impressive is your apparent understanding of pass protection and throwing "hot" when they are bringing one more that the offense can protect. This is huge!
On two occasions versus the Giants, you took responsibility to identify the free rusher and threw hot to an inside receiver (below).
Cooper, Sunday night's game against the Eagles will be a great test for you and the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are winning because they have evolved into becoming a very good "team' through five games. This is a result of how the offense is managing you and the success you are having. You and your team understand this formula in Dallas.
But let me say this: the narrative around your team is coordinator Dan Quinn's great defense, solid special teams, outstanding pass protection, and the offense leaning on the run game. But, Cooper, I don't think the football community has paid enough attention to your playmaking ability, quick decision-making, more-than-sufficient arm talent, toughness, and football intelligence. You have stayed calm and made plays under pressure, and showed exceptional courage, especially last week against a vicious Rams pass rush. You have done much more than handing off the football and the tape proves this.
So, the test this week is all mental. The humility to know that a great Dallas pass rush can lead to an interception, or opponent's pre-snap and holding penalties that result in great field position for your offense. This combined with your passing efficiency and ability to occasionally make a big play has been a formula for success.
I hope you can truly enjoy Sunday night and the immediate challenges of the day. As a reminder, Dak will be back very soon, and you will head to the bench. That's how it works, but you have already proven your value, Cooper. Embrace the challenge, take care of the football, continue to stay disciplined with your reads, progressions and fundamentals. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the night!
With respect and humility,
Marc Trestman
WATCH MORE: Previewing Cowboys-Eagles
