Trey Lance’s Anticipated Dallas Cowboys Debut: A Game of Inches and Progress
Inglewood, California – Nearly a year after his last appearance on the field, Trey Lance finally made his debut for the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. The former third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Cowboys in August for a fourth-round pick. Despite the high expectations, Lance had not played a snap in 2023 until this game.
Lance’s performance was a mix of promise and missed opportunities. He took over from Cooper Rush after just one drive and completed 25 of 41 passes for a total of 188 yards. However, he did not throw a touchdown pass or an interception and was sacked three times. His legs were a notable asset, as he ran six times for a team-high 44 yards in the Cowboys’ narrow 13-12 loss to the Rams.
A Year in Waiting
The Long Road Back
Lance had hoped to seamlessly transition back into game action despite the long hiatus. “I’d hoped to just step back in and be ready to go,” Lance said. “I mean, yeah, it’s been a year, but that’s never going to be an excuse at all. I’ve had a ton of snaps in practice throughout [organized team activities] and training camp, so … Yeah, just excited for next week.”
Despite the long break, Lance’s familiarity with practice routines and training camps kept him somewhat prepared. His debut saw six of the eight drives he led consisting of at least eight plays, although the team was unable to find the end zone, relying instead on three of Brandon Aubrey’s four field goals.
Coach’s Perspective
Dallas Cowboys’ head coach Mike McCarthy was optimistic about Lance’s performance but acknowledged that there was still room for improvement. “Trying to get as much as I can with him,” McCarthy said. “You want to see him running the offense at a high level. The footwork and some of the things we’re asking him to do conceptually are new. We just need work. We just need as much time as we can. I know I say that every time I talk about him, but he’s making good progress. He’s definitely wired the right way. He’s a great athlete. Just a lot of work to do.”
Missed Opportunities and Learning Moments
Close Calls
Lance had several opportunities to score but came up short. On his very first drive, the Cowboys were at the Rams’ 3-yard line, but a fade pass aimed at Jalen Cropper in the end zone was just out of reach. In the fourth quarter, Lance overthrew Cam Johnson, who had managed to get a step ahead of the defensive back.
Analyzing Mistakes
Lance also missed a golden opportunity in the fourth quarter with tight end Princeton Fant running uncovered. Reviewing the series with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Lance realized the missed chance. “It was one of those things … was a little ahead of it too fast with my feet and the corner played a little in between,” Lance said. “Honestly, on the field, I thought I should’ve just gone to the back quicker. … There’s plays like that across the board, and that happens. That’s one of those things you learn from. Don’t make the same mistake twice.”
Performance Assessment
Drops and Inaccuracies
Lance was affected by four drops from his receivers, but he also had several inaccurate throws that didn’t give his pass-catchers much of a chance after the reception. Despite these issues, McCarthy found enough positives in Lance’s performance to remain optimistic.
“I really liked his command,” McCarthy said. “Frankly, I tried to … take advantage of every situation that we were in, so those fourth-down snaps, those will pay dividends in the future. I do believe that.”
Defensive Support
The Cowboys’ defense provided ample opportunities for the offense by securing four interceptions, one of which positioned the Cowboys at the Rams’ 23-yard line. Unfortunately, the offense could not capitalize, losing 11 yards in five plays and settling for a 52-yard field goal by Aubrey.
Looking Ahead
Next Week’s Challenges
Lance expressed his frustration at the inability to finish drives but remained focused on improvement. “We put some 10-, 11-play drives together, just sucks that we didn’t finish them,” Lance said. “I’ve got to be better in that area, in the red zone and low red zone.”
Lance will have another opportunity to showcase his skills next week against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dak Prescott, who missed last Friday’s practice due to ankle soreness, assured everyone that he is fine and will participate fully when the Cowboys return to practice on Tuesday. However, Prescott has not played in the preseason since McCarthy took over as coach in 2020.
Backup Role
Cooper Rush remains the frontrunner to be Prescott’s backup, but Lance is guaranteed $5.3 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract. “I’m excited to watch [the tape],” Lance said. “I think that’s the biggest part of it, but, yeah, I think I left some plays out there for sure across the board from the first quarter to the fourth. We get the four extra possessions, and we don’t score touchdowns. That’s not a good feeling.”
FAQs
What was Trey Lance’s performance like in his debut for the Dallas Cowboys?
Lance completed 25 of 41 passes for 188 yards, without any touchdowns or interceptions. He also ran six times for a team-high 44 yards and was sacked three times.
How long has Trey Lance been out of action?
Lance had not played a snap in 2023 until his debut against the Los Angeles Rams. His last on-field action was nearly a year ago.
What did Coach Mike McCarthy say about Trey Lance’s performance?
Coach McCarthy was optimistic but noted that Lance has a lot of work to do. He appreciated Lance’s command of the offense and his athleticism but emphasized the need for further development.
What were some of the missed opportunities for Trey Lance in the game?
Lance missed several potential touchdown passes, including an overthrown pass to Cam Johnson and a missed opportunity with tight end Princeton Fant.
What are the next steps for Trey Lance?
Lance will get another chance to prove himself next week against the Las Vegas Raiders. He is focused on improving his red zone performance and overall execution.
Conclusion
Trey Lance’s debut for the Dallas Cowboys was a mixed bag of promise and missed opportunities. While he showed flashes of his potential, there were several moments where he fell short. Both Lance and Coach McCarthy are optimistic about his progress but acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done. As Lance prepares for his next opportunity against the Las Vegas Raiders, the focus will be on capitalizing on scoring opportunities and improving overall execution. With a solid foundation and a clear path for improvement, Lance’s journey with the Cowboys is just beginning.
