Trey Lance's Week 18 Start: A Risky Gamble or Smart Strategy for the Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys' decision to start Trey Lance in Week 18 has sent shockwaves through the NFL. This unexpected move raises crucial questions about the team's strategy, Lance's potential, and the risks involved. Is this a bold gamble that could pay off handsomely, or a risky maneuver that could backfire spectacularly? Let's delve into the potential implications.
Why the Cowboys Might Start Trey Lance
Several factors could underpin the Cowboys' decision to give Lance the starting nod in their final regular season game.
-
Evaluating Future Potential: The most likely reason is a thorough evaluation of Lance's capabilities. With Dak Prescott firmly established as the starter, this game offers a low-stakes opportunity to see what Lance can do in a real NFL game environment. The Cowboys' coaching staff can assess his arm strength, decision-making under pressure, and overall game management.
-
Preparing for the Future: If Prescott suffers an injury, the Cowboys need a viable backup. Starting Lance provides valuable real-game experience, increasing his readiness should such a scenario arise. This is especially crucial given the importance of the playoffs.
-
Assessing Roster Depth: The Cowboys might be using this game to assess their overall roster depth and identify areas needing improvement in the upcoming offseason. Lance's performance, alongside other players getting playing time, helps paint a clearer picture of their needs.
-
Maintaining Momentum: While unlikely, some might argue that the coaching staff wants to maintain team momentum and keep all players sharp for the playoffs. Even a seemingly low-stakes game keeps everyone engaged and prepared.
The Risks Involved in Starting Trey Lance
While evaluating Lance holds merit, starting him also carries considerable risks:
-
Injury Concerns: The biggest risk is the possibility of injury. Any injury to Lance, even a minor one, could significantly impact the Cowboys' playoff chances should Prescott be injured later.
-
Negative Impact on Team Dynamics: A poor performance from Lance could negatively affect the team's confidence and morale heading into the playoffs. The team needs to maintain positive momentum to be successful.
-
Strategic Disadvantage: Revealing Lance's strengths and weaknesses to opposing teams before the playoffs presents a strategic disadvantage. Information gathered from this game could be exploited by playoff opponents.
-
Distraction from Playoff Preparation: Focusing on evaluating Lance may distract the team from its primary goal: preparing for the playoffs. Time and energy spent on evaluating Lance is time not spent refining playoff strategies.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk?
The Cowboys' decision to start Trey Lance in Week 18 is undoubtedly a calculated risk. While evaluating his potential and bolstering roster depth are legitimate motivations, the risks of injury and negative impact on team morale are significant. The ultimate success of this decision will depend on Lance's performance, the absence of injuries, and the impact it has on the team's overall playoff preparation and performance. Only time will tell if this bold move pays off for the Dallas Cowboys.
