It's only been one week of Cowboys training camp, but getting off to a good start is important. You can have some hiccups along the way later, but for Trey Lance, things have started on the wrong foot.
He is competing against Cooper Rush for the backup quarterback job behind Dak Prescott, and he had more head-scratching moments than you'd like to see this early.
Yes, this is only practice and so what, but this is where you need to start showing what you've got if you want a shot to make the team!
Lance was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers traded three picks to move up to select him. Last August, Jerry Jones traded a 4th round pick for him and shocked a lot of people.
Trey is still only 24 years old, but the 49ers gave up on him quickly after what they found in Brock Purdy, and if he isn't careful, he will be looking for his third team soon.
What Happened to Trey Lance?
Well, for starters, he missed some pretty easy throws on the outside and, on his third throw, the video below shows it was taken to the house for a pick-6.
I have heard a lot of talk over the last few months about how the Cowboys should let Dak Prescott walk, and turn to Lance or Cooper Rush and save money.
Well, that is off to a great start, isn't it?
Trey Lance has been booty cheeks thus far.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said on Sunday that the Cowboys hope to give Lance plenty of chances throughout the preseason. So, I'll cool it down a bit until he shows us a bigger sample size, but Bobby Belt said it best: he doesn't look like a legitimate quarterback right now.
Confidence is Key
I know I am just a blogging fan, but confidence is key for things like this.
I played sports, not at this level, obviously, but you need a few things to go right and when his confidence gets up, maybe the rest of his play will, too.
The first official practice with pads is today, and maybe we see some spark, but the fact that multiple Cowboys insiders have been underwhelmed should suggest Mike McCarthy and the rest of the coaching staff feel the same way.
Lance has had a few chances to gain some ground, and just keeps putting together lackluster practices.
He had a few good throws here and there, but he has not been good overall.
Preseason Magic?
The Cowboys' first preseason game is next Sunday, August 11th, against the Los Angeles Rams.
He will be able to put all the negative comments to rest if he balls out next Sunday. Regardless if it is against backups or guys who are fighting for a roster spot.
The problem is, he was already behind Cooper Rush and has dug himself an even deeper hole.
I don't mean to overreact, but when you see folks talking about how Lance should be the starter and let Prescott walk, it just makes me laugh.
Even guys like Aaron Rodgers and others will throw an interception or two in camp, but when the entire media group for the Cowboys is saying a player doesn't look like he belongs, you should probably listen.
I don't see a world where Trey can even pass Rush for the backup role as things stand so far. If he is cut, he'll be looking for his third team in three years — not good for a 3rd-overall pick.
