ARLINGTON, Texas – There hasn't been a lot of consistencies in the career of Stephen McGee, who has played just three games and one regular-season start in three years.
But when it comes to starting the final preseason game of the year against the Dolphins, he's got that down pat.
For the third straight year, McGee started the preseason finale against Miami, and for the third straight year, was somewhat impressive. His stats weren't as sharp this time, but he did have the Cowboys ahead at halftime 20-6, in a game Dallas would eventually win 30-13.
Two years ago, McGee's impressive performance helped him stick around and then last year, there wasn't much of a debate to keep three quarterbacks. But this year, with the Cowboys so banged up at other positions and likely needing to go long, it might not make the most sense to keep three on the roster.
Now the Cowboys haven't said that yet. In fact, head coach Jason Garrett praised his effort Wednesday night.
"I thought he did a good job once we got going a little bit," Garrett said. "He has the ability to move in the pocket and make some plays with his feet. He can get himself out of trouble. He did a good job overall and played a pretty solid half."
McGee's numbers weren't as impressive as his production. He was only 9 of 20 passing for 124 yards with no touchdowns or picks. His 65.4 quarterback rating wasn't great, but McGee made a few plays on the run to get the offense in position to score.
McGee chose not to talk to reporters after the game.
In the second half, Rudy Carpenter replaced McGee
Carpenter might actually have a better shot to stick around, although not on the 53-man roster. Considering he is practice squad eligible, the Cowboys could decide to keep just two quarterbacks on the active roster and Carpenter on the eight-man practice squad.
Ironically enough, Carpenter and McGee came to the Cowboys as rookies in 2009. A fourth-round pick from Texas A&M, McGee was never in real competition back then to make the squad. Carpenter, an undrafted rookie from Arizona State, showed some promise late in preseason. He was eventually picked up by the Bucs, where he spent a few seasons.
