The Dallas Cowboys lost quarterback Dak Prescott to a thumb injury in Week 1.
After that injury, the outlook on the rest of the Cowboys’ season was bleak to many.
But, thanks to Cooper Rush, Dallas has gone 3-0 without Prescott.
Rush has taken full control of the offense over the past three games and has rejuvenated the team.
Big time Rush.@rush_cooper | @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/UiSJaWbJoC
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2022
So the only question that remains is if Rush is creating a QB controversy in Dallas.
Once Rush started winning games, the talk of controversy was bound to happen.
Especially with how the Cowboys looked in Week 1 under Prescott.
Despite all of that there should be no QB controversy in Dallas.
Prescott is by far the superior player and he will help the Cowboys reach their ceiling.
The Cowboys’ defense has carried the team all season.
They have allowed less than 20 points in every game and have made life easy on offense.
Under Rush, the Cowboys are averaging 22.7 points per game.
While that is enough to win games, Dallas averaged 31.2 points per game last season under Prescott.
The Cowboys’ offense under Rush is doing enough to win, but it has been far from elite.
The Dallas offense has negative estimated points per play on the season.
While the defense is top eight in the NFL in EPA per play.
All the stats point to the fact that the Cowboys’ offense is much better under Prescott.
But, it appears he is still not ready to return.
More than likely, Rush will be under center when the Cowboys play the defending Super Bowl champs in Week 5.
That will be the toughest tough of the season for Rush and the offense.
The pressure will be on Rush to try and score 20+ points.
Dallas is undefeated when they do that and their winning formula is now in place.
When Will Prescott Return?
Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy made it clear he wants Prescott to have a full week of practice before he returns to the field.
But, it appears he is still having trouble gripping the ball at this point.
The date everyone in Dallas is hoping for is their Week 6 game against the Eagles for QB1 to return.
That game could be for first place in the division and Dallas wants their best option under center.
Not enough positive things can be said about how Rush has handled this whole situation.
He realizes this is Prescott’s team and his job is to keep the team afloat until he gets back.
The Cowboys have a chance to be good once this offense starts clicking.
Having one of the best defenses in the NFL gives them a chance to compete with anyone in the NFC.
NFL teams ranked by offensive + defensive ANY/A Value through Week 4 pic.twitter.com/ObZjlEPJh8
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) October 4, 2022
The only issue for when Prescott returns is how much rust he will need to knock off.
If he plays against Philadelphia, the Cowboys need to be on top of their game from the kickoff.
Prescott and the offense can not afford a slow start like they did in Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
The pro-bowl QB is the only thing Dallas is missing from becoming an elite team.
With Prescott back under center, the Cowboys will be legitimate contenders.
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