The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t underestimating Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush in the same way the Cowboys aren’t banking on another bad game from Joe Burrow.
Buy Bengals TicketsOn paper, Rush is 28 years old and has appeared in just 11 games with three touchdown passes. He’s a substantial downgrade from injured starter Dak Prescott (as most backups would be).
But Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo isn’t one to let the details get past him.
In fact, Anarumo cited notable details in Rush’s resume that actually give him some pause before the Week 2 matchup.
Here’s the quote and further details, as captured by Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic:
#Bengals DC Lou Anarumo says he views Cooper Rush as a "different level backup" because he's been in system for 5 years and has good relationship w/ OC Kellen Moore.
"It’s not like your typical backup going in the game and pare down and play. This guy knows the whole playbook."
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 15, 2022
Cincinnati’s defense held up just fine in Week 1 against the Steelers, so it’s hard to imagine Anarumo’s unit doesn’t show up on the road unprepared. But the depth to which he knows the Dallas backup is a fun peek-behind-curtain moment.
