Milton's Two-TD Showcase Strengthens Cowboys Backup Case
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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Joe Milton made a compelling case for the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback job on Saturday night, delivering a versatile performance that included two touchdown passes and a rushing score in a 34-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals. The third-year signal-caller, a sixth-round draft pick by New England in 2024, has now strung together two consecutive impressive outings in his battle with Sam Howell for the No. 2 role behind starter Dak Prescott.
Milton completed 9 of 13 attempts for 176 yards, showcasing both touch and deep-ball accuracy. His first touchdown came on a perfectly executed double move by Jonathan Mingo, who beat his defender down the left sideline for a 53-yard score. Later, Milton connected with Camden Brown on a 70-yard strike that set up his own 1-yard touchdown run on the next play. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Milton's improved command of the football. "This game is about being able to control the RPMs of the football and throw it with different speeds and touches," Schottenheimer said. "He's done that at a very high level."
Despite Milton's strong showing, Schottenheimer emphasized that the competition remains open. "This is long from over," he said. "We're going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. You've got to give Joe his credit, he's played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in Sam as well."
Howell, who started all 17 games for Washington in 2023 and spent last season with Philadelphia without regular-season action, entered the game in the second half. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards but threw an interception in the end zone, a blemish that could factor into the decision. The Cowboys built a 24-6 halftime lead, aided by a defense that forced a turnover early. Cornerback Shavon Revel, a third-round pick in 2025 from East Carolina, intercepted Gardner Minshew midway through the first quarter after receiver Simi Fehoko slipped on his route. Revel returned the ball 22 yards to the Arizona 12, setting up Milton's 8-yard touchdown pass to Malik Davis on a rollout to the left.
Revel, now in his second season, played in seven games last year with five starts. He and rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who had an early tackle for loss, highlighted a young defensive unit that held the Cardinals to 13 points. Arizona's Gardner Minshew, competing for the backup role behind Jacoby Brissett, completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards while playing the entire first half and the first series of the second half. But the Cardinals' offense was plagued by penalties. Two touchdowns were called back on the same drive after receiver Rivaldo Fairweather was flagged for offensive holding and offensive pass interference. Arizona settled for a 38-yard field goal from Chad Ryland. Later, a false start at the Dallas 1-yard line pushed the Cardinals back, and a Minshew sack forced another field goal, this time from 31 yards.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur attributed the sloppy performance to a poor week of practice. "It was the culmination of our week — we had a sloppy week of practice," he said. "I don't think we've practiced really well over the last week since Vegas. There have been individuals who have practiced well, there's been times where we've done good things, but overall it wasn't good enough. This — tonight — was a summary of that week in general."
Injuries also marked the game. Cardinals safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson left late in the first quarter after delivering a big hit on Cowboys tight end Zack Kuntz; he was flagged for a personal foul and later ruled out with ribs. Cowboys safety Julius Wood left in the third quarter with a concussion. Both teams played without most starters, giving ample opportunity to evaluate depth. For the Cowboys, running back Jaydon Blue rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries, while Milton continued to build his resume. The 26-year-old played in four regular-season games with Dallas last season, throwing for 183 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. His growth in ball control and decision-making has been a focal point this preseason.
Next up for Dallas is a home game against New Orleans on Friday night, while the Cardinals travel to Green Bay. The Cowboys' backup quarterback decision will likely extend into the final week of training camp, with Schottenheimer and his staff weighing Milton's recent surge against Howell's experience as a former full-time starter.
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Joe Milton's performance against the Cardinals was more than just a stat line; it was a statement in a quarterback competition that has quietly become one of the more intriguing subplots of the Cowboys' preseason. The third-year player, who entered the league as a raw prospect with a cannon arm, is showing a nuance that was previously absent. His ability to vary velocity and touch — as Schottenheimer noted — signals a maturation that could tilt the scales in a tight race. Milton's path has been unconventional. Drafted in the sixth round by New England, he didn't see significant action until last season with Dallas, where he appeared in four games. His raw physical tools were never in question; the issue was consistency and processing. This preseason, he has looked more decisive, and his deep-ball accuracy on the 53-yarder to Mingo and the 70-yarder to Brown reflects a quarterback who is trusting his reads and his arm. The rushing touchdown, a 1-yard plunge after the long pass, shows he can also be a threat in short-yardage situations — a valuable trait for a backup who might be called upon in specific packages. But the competition is far from one-sided. Sam Howell, despite his end-zone interception, brings a different kind of resume. He started every game for Washington in 2023, amassing over 3,900 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. That experience cannot be discounted, especially in a league where backup quarterbacks often need to step in for multiple games. Howell's 7-of-10 completion rate in the second half, while not flawless, shows he can move the ball. The interception was a mistake, but one that might be viewed as a learning moment rather than a disqualifier. What makes this decision particularly delicate for Dallas is the broader context of the team's roster. The Cowboys are built to win now, with a star-studded offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and a strong offensive line. The backup quarterback needs to be someone who can manage games, protect the football, and execute the offense without drastic drop-off. Milton's mobility and arm strength offer a different dynamic, but Howell's experience in a similar system (he played under Eric Bieniemy in Washington) might provide more stability. Schottenheimer's comments about the competition being "long from over" suggest the coaching staff is deliberately avoiding a rush to judgment. There is value in letting both players continue to accumulate preseason reps, especially with joint practices and another game looming. The Cowboys host New Orleans next, a chance for Milton to build on his momentum or for Howell to regain his footing. Beyond the quarterback battle, the game itself offered glimpses of Dallas's defensive depth. Shavon Revel's interception and Jaishawn Barham's tackle for loss are encouraging signs for a unit that lost key players in the offseason. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have their own backup questions, with Gardner Minshew looking competent but the offense undermined by penalties. Coach LaFleur's frustration with practice habits is a red flag for a team trying to establish a new identity under a new coaching staff. Ultimately, the Cowboys' backup quarterback decision will be a telling indicator of the organization's philosophy. Do they prioritize upside and athleticism, betting on Milton's continued development? Or do they lean on experience and familiarity, trusting Howell to step in if needed? The next two weeks of training camp and the final preseason game will likely provide the answer. For now, Milton has given the coaching staff a compelling reason to think hard — and that is exactly what a preseason competition is supposed to do.