There’s been plenty to like about Cooper Rush’s play during his latest stint as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Since Dak Prescott went down in Week 9, Rush has gone 3-3 as the starter, completing 60% of his passes, averaging just over 200 yards per game and- perhaps most important- tossing nine touchdowns to only two interceptions.

It hasn’t been terribly sexy, but he’s filled in admirably. Just this week, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer praised the veteran’s experience, calm demeanor and leadership, even his contributions in helping the running game finally get going after a slow start in 2024.

There is one big-ticket item Rush needs to get a handle on, however: keeping a handle on the ball. The 31-year-old has been credited with nine fumbles since taking over in Dallas, a total that’s third-most in the league.

Some have come on shotgun snaps. Others have come on a bad under-center exchange, and Schottenheimer was quick to point out that not all nine fumbles have necessarily been Rush’s fault alone.

No matter who is to blame, it’s dangerous every time it happens.

Rush had two fumbles on Sunday against Carolina, including a botched red-zone play-action option to Rico Dowdle that turned into a Panthers touchdown just one play later.

Since taking over for Prescott, Rush has had at least one fumble in every game except one this season. And though the team has lost possession on just three of them, it’s something Schottenheimer acknowledges needs to stop.

“There’s a technique that you use in terms of where the ball is extended and how you have to ride it,” he explained to reporters this week. “It’s very technical, but [Cooper] was great; he communicated right after the drive and said, ‘It caught Rico’s hip. It’s on me.’”

But Schottenehimer also shared some of the responsibility for what has become a troubling trend.

“We emphasize it, but obviously we’re not doing a great enough job coaching it. We’ve got to coach it better.”

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Again, Rush’s nine fumbles are currently tied for third-most in the league. While it’s fewer than Kirk Cousins and even Baker Mayfield (who the Cowboys will face in Week 16) and the same as guys like Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson, Rush’s nine fumbles have come on literally half as many snaps as each of those other passers.

Even the Colts’ Anthony Richardson, who also has nine fumbles this year, has played 100 more snaps than Rush.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” Rush said Sunday after the team’s 30-14 win in Charlotte. “I’ve got to figure that one out, the zone-read stuff.”

Schottenheimer admitted plays like that one are especially tricky for a backup who’s amassed more time holding a clipboard than staring down live defenses on gameday.

“There’s a decision, right?” the OC explained. “‘Do I hand it? Do I keep it? Do I pull it? Do I pull it and throw?’ There’s a lot of things going through his mind. [It’s] something we’ll certainly continue to emphasize and drill even more.”

This week would be a good time for Schottenheimer and Rush to incorporate those added ball-security drills; Tampa Bay is tied for second place leaguewide in fumble takeaways.

“The fundamentals need to get better and [are] something we’ve got to work on,” Schottenheimer said.