Genius Mike McCarthy idea may save Cowboys from Trey Lance mess

The Dallas Cowboys have already declined Trey Lance's fifth-year option for the 2025 season. That was a no-brainer decision given the option would have cost the Cowboys over $20 million. So, yes, to say this offseason is huge for Lance would be a massive understatement.

Nobody is supplanting Dak Prescott as the starter, but Lance has a realistic chance of beating out Cooper Rush for the backup job.

Acquired in a trade with the 49ers last August, Lance had a full season to familiarize himself with Mike McCarthy's playbook and he now has a full offseason to blend his understanding of the offense with his tantalizing physical tools.

The early signs have been positive, as Lance has received glowing reviews from McCarthy, Prescott and Cowboys quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien. Lance attributes that to being in a much better headspace, but the young QB might have McCarthy to thank (at least partially) for his renewed confidence.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy changed Trey Lance's throwing motion

McCarthy revealed to reporters on Wednesday that the Cowboys altered Lance's throwing motion, seemingly to allow for a quicker release.

"He’s crossing the thresholds in training, and I’ve been very, very pleased. His athletic ability is top-notch. We’ve adjusted some things in his motion — I don’t want to get into specifics — but you can see the improvement in timing. Young quarterbacks need reps, and we’re trying to get him as many reps as we can throughout this offseason program. "

- Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy

This isn't the first time that Lance's throwing motion has undergone change. Last offseason, Lance worked with Patrick Mahomes and private QBs coach Jeff Christensen, who said Lance needed a "drastic adjustment" to his throwing mechanics. It seems McCarthy has fine-tuned those alterations to unlock Lance's full potential.

Based on these photos from OTAs (via The Athletic's Jon Machota), it looks like Lance's release is markedly quicker compared to the last time we saw him. The second photo in particular underlines Lance's shortened windup.

Trey Lance pic.twitter.com/9QktOQTS9D

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 22, 2024

Throwing mechanics play a huge role in a QB's success. It's paramount for going through progressions on time and hitting receivers in stride. The extra millisecond to release the ball can be the difference between a completed pass and a turnover -- or a 15-yard completion and a 60-yard catch and run.

The Lance hype is the highest it's been since he was traded to the Cowboys. He's going to get the lion's share of snaps in preseason to put his new throwing motion to the test. If it proves to bring out the best in Lance, Dallas will suddenly have a true ace in the hole in case Prescott doesn't sign an extension and hits free agency next March.