Following the Dallas Cowboys’ disappointing 34-10 defeat to the Houston Texans, head coach Mike McCarthy expressed regret over his decision not to allow backup quarterback Trey Lance a chance to lead the offense during the game.
McCarthy admitted that he should have substituted starting quarterback Cooper Rush for Lance to give the young player an opportunity to demonstrate his skills. “I think the one thing I should have done at the end, and I just didn’t do, was put Trey in there. I could’ve gotten him a series,” McCarthy acknowledged, indicating that this is an area he would second-guess himself on. He emphasized that he did not want to treat Lance as merely a “gadget player” and had actually prepared him to take a series during the game. In hindsight, he regrets missing that opportunity.
Trey Lance was drafted third overall by the 49ers in 2021, making him one of the least experienced quarterbacks to be picked so high in a draft. Unfortunately, his time on the field has been limited both in San Francisco and with the Cowboys. There may soon be a chance for the Cowboys to see what Lance is truly capable of, possibly during their next matchup against the Washington Commanders.
This situation presents a pivotal moment for the Cowboys; giving Lance meaningful playing time could be beneficial for both his development and the team’s future plans. As the Cowboys move forward, it will be interesting to see how they balance the need for immediate performance with the importance of nurturing promising talent within their roster.