Will Grier Puts On Offensive Clinic in Cowboys Preseason Finale
The NFL always finds a way to bring feel good stories out as the season progresses. As new faces come to town, some have to leave as a result. Pending the recent Trey Lance trade to Dallas, QB Will Grier played the final preseason game against Las Vegas knowing he would be cut after the game. While it is a shame that he will not remain in Dallas, Grier put on an offensive clinic that will turn the heads of many teams in need of Quarterback depth.
The torch has now been lit. Here is how Grier’s performance will boost the confidence of himself and Trey Lance.
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Breaking Off Big Runs
There was once a time when quarterbacks didn’t run. The position has evolved over the years to require a running ability along with passing. In 2023, not every team’s Quarterback could be deemed as a “dual-threat performer”. NFL quarterbacks who are able to display the ability to run and pass put themselves in the front of the line for free agency.
Will Grier’s Saturday night performance might as well have earned him a fast pass.
Cowboys QB Will Grier went 29 for 35 on passing attempts, racking up two rushing touchdowns and 53 total rushing yardage. His effort shone above that of Cooper Rush and Aiden O’Connell, leading Dallas to the 31-16 victory. Trey Lance, you’re on deck. The confidence of the former third overall draft pick should rise, as it became clear that an above average backup can have a steady performance in Dallas. Lance has a similar rushing ability that Grier showed off, and he should get a chance to display it.
Grier’s pair of rushing touchdowns showed that he knows how to extend the pocket and work with his legs. Good news, because this asset puts Grier very high up on the list of upcoming free agents.
Going Out With a W
Oh finally, the Cowboys have won a 2023 NFL preseason game. Dallas is notoriously bad in preseason, especially in weeks one and two. Will Grier gave Cowboys fans a reason to be excited over the weekend as they claimed their first win of the season.
This bids very well for the confidence of a rising young QB.
Grier threw for 305 yards against the Raiders defense without throwing a single interception. This was the best preseason performance by any Cowboys quarterback in 2023. This game did not serve as an automatic roster spot lock. However, it served as a fantastic job-interview style of a game. Grier can hang his head high knowing he will always be remembered fondly in Dallas, and he will get another shot with another team in the future.
Morale is going to be high as new Cowboys QB Trey Lance will receive the torch from Will Grier.
Distributing The Ball Around the Field
Good quarterbacks have a favorite target most of the time. Great quarterbacks distribute the ball to all of their receivers, all the time.
Grier hit 11 different offensive targets in his final preseason game, distributing the ball to different sides of the field on each play. Touchdowns to players like Luke Schoonmaker and Hunter Luepke showed that he is smart with his time in the pocket, and doesn’t make panicked throws. The poise that Grier displayed shot his free agency value through the roof.
Cowboys QB Will Grier will not be remembered for a regular season start or anything as glamorous. However, he has won the hearts of Cowboys fans with his impressive goodbye performance. His future looks brighter by the second. Look for a Quarterback needy team like Arizona or Indianapolis to take a shot at signing Grier.
Main Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
