Trey Lance had a mixed debut with the Dallas Cowboys, showing glimpses of talent while also facing challenges in a 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old quarterback, initially a first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers, gained valuable game experience in head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense after being acquired by Dallas in a trade last August. He hadn’t played in any preseason games and spent the regular season as a backup to Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.
In the game against the Rams, Lance completed 25 of 41 passes for 188 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, along with six rushing attempts for 44 yards. His passer rating of 72 fell short of his performance with the 49ers during his preseason appearances.
Following Rush’s successful drive, which included a 43-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jalen Brooks, Lance took the field for the Cowboys’ second possession. However, the offense struggled to maintain the same momentum. Lance showcased his athleticism, notably breaking free for a 19-yard run, but his passing game was inconsistent. He missed a potential touchdown throw to receiver Jalen Cropper in the first half, which further hindered the team’s scoring opportunities.
Despite some bright moments, including a drive in the fourth quarter where he completed four consecutive passes, the Cowboys could not convert those opportunities into touchdowns. While he managed to connect with receiver Kelvin Harmon for a significant 26-yard play, it was not enough to lead his team into the end zone during his time on the field.
With both Prescott and Rush solidifying their spots, it is likely Lance will have more chances to demonstrate his abilities in the upcoming weeks. His performance on Sunday is seen as just the beginning of his journey in a Cowboys uniform, and he will need to improve in future games to make a stronger case for his NFL career.