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Baltimore Ravens
Dallas Cowboys
Aug 14, 2025 2:11 PM EDT
The 2024 season proved to be a pivotal one for both Brian Schottenheimer and Cooper Rush.
First for the then-offensive coordinator Schottenheimer, although the Dallas Cowboys struggled in the win column, it marked his last season as a coordinator before being promoted to head coach in the offseason.
For Rush, the then-Dak Prescott backup was thrust onto the field after the Cowboys starter went down with a season-ending hamstring injury halfway through the year.
Rush saw as much regular-season action as he’s had in his eight-year career in Dallas, starting eight games (appearing in 12 on the season) and throwing 12 touchdowns. He played well enough to earn a new two-year, $6.2 million contract in free agency with the Baltimore Ravens.
Now in different seasons of their career entering the 2025 campaign, Schottenheimer and Rush will cross paths again at AT&T Stadium this weekend as the Ravens play the Cowboys in each team’s second preseason game.
Rush saw some action in Baltimore’s 24-16 preseason-opening win against the Indianapolis Colts, but he’s hoping to build momentum in the start his Ravens career. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh expects to give Rush a bit more playing time in this week’s game as he’s adapted to the new system.
“I’m really starting to feel comfortable, starting to own it, feel like you’re in command out there over what’s going on,” Rush said this week. “All the [offseason] reps and OTAs were huge, getting to run the show. Every day it’s getting more and more comfortable.”
There’s a great chance that he already feels comfortable playing on the turf at “Jerry World”, as Rush anticipated what it will be like to return to the place where he began his career.
“Yeah, it’ll be different over on that sideline,” Rush said. “It’ll be something new, but looking forward to it. See a lot of close relationships over the years there, get to catch up with some guys. It’ll be cool.”
Going into Saturday’s homecoming, Rush is remembering to stay level-headed and focused on his performance for his new team, despite any emotions that may be flowing.
“I’m really trying to show my current team I’m doing well. Things like that are my main focus,” Rush said. “Those games matter. Those preseason games do help guys in my position. Those reps count – you learn from them, so when you have to go out there for the real thing, it helps.”
Of course, Rush was called upon in a major way for Dallas last season, but he memorably missed out on a contract-based performance incentive after the regular-season finale. He was 68 snaps away from hitting a playing-time threshold that would pay him a $500,000 bonus, but third-stringer Trey Lance got the start instead and Rush couldn’t cash in.
The veteran backup humbly acknowledged the situation Wednesday with reporters, expressing that there are no bad feelings towards Dallas.
“It’s business,” he said. “Maybe if I played better [before then], I’d go out there. You don’t really think about that stuff. I had a great time there. It was an awesome eight years. I’m really close with a lot of people in that organization.”
Rush compiled a 9-5 career record in Dallas as a starter, but has now transitioned to a new journey as the backup to All-Pro Lamar Jackson. His traditional pro-style pocket presence is a stark contrast to Jackson’s electrifying play-making as a runner.
Schottenheimer jokingly mentioned that difference, and talked about whether that could play into his defensive game plan for Saturday.
“I’m anxious to see if he’s running some of the power read and stuff that Lamar is doing,” Schotty said. “I know he can, I know he did at one time.”
“I can’t wait to see Coop,” the coach added as the Cowboys wrapped up training camp in Oxnard this week. “Coop’s the best. I just loved his personality, the way he was so calm, even. Of course, I was pulling for him to go get a great opportunity if it wasn’t going to be with us. He had a great opportunity and a great contract. I know he’s impacting that locker room just like he did ours. I can’t wait to give him a hug on Saturday.”
Dallas hosts Baltimore at 6 p.m. CT in the first of two home games to end preseason action.
About the Author
Nathan Karseno