Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance faced significant pressure during his preseason debut against the Los Angeles Rams on August 11, 2024, in Inglewood, California. As the team’s third-string quarterback, Lance’s performance is under scrutiny, especially with uncertainties surrounding the Cowboys’ quarterback situation after the current season.
Lance was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft but lost his position with the San Francisco 49ers when Brock Purdy took over as the starter. The Cowboys are expected to give Lance ample playing time this preseason, especially since starter Dak Prescott did not play in this game. With limited gameplay since a standout season at North Dakota State in 2019, every opportunity is critical for Lance to prove himself.
In the matchup against the Rams, Lance struggled to make an impact on the game. He played nearly all of the offensive possessions for the Cowboys but did not manage to score a touchdown during his eight drives. Even when the Cowboys had excellent field position at the Rams’ 23-yard line after an interception, they only managed a field goal.
Lance completed 25 of 41 passes for 188 yards, ending the game with no touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 72. The Rams edged out the Cowboys with a final score of 13-12, highlighted by Stetson Bennett’s touchdown pass with just four seconds remaining.
Sunday’s game marked the first opportunity for Cowboys fans to see Lance in action since he joined the team through a trade with the 49ers. Last preseason, Lance did not play in Dallas’ final game, nor did he see any action during the regular season.
The importance of Lance’s performance is intensified due to questions about Prescott’s future, as his contract expires at the end of the season, and retaining him could be a salary cap challenge. The Cowboys, who traded a fourth-round draft pick for Lance, likely see potential value in him as a quarterback.
While Cooper Rush started the game and opened with a 43-yard pass that led to a field goal, Lance entered in the second drive. Although he misfired on some passes, he managed a commendable third-down run. However, a missed throw on a fourth-and-1 was a notable missed opportunity.
Lance’s second drive resulted in a field goal, aided by some drops from Cowboys receivers, including one promising throw he made while scrambling. Rams head coach Sean McVay noted the difficulty in defending a quarterback with Lance’s mobility.
As the game progressed, Lance appeared to improve, but it was important to recognize that the Rams had also substituted many key players by this point. Despite the challenges of playing with backups, Lance will have a few more chances to showcase his abilities this preseason. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, he is unlikely to see action during the regular season, making it crucial for him to capitalize on these remaining opportunities.