GLENDALE, Ariz. — Joe Milton produced a sharp two-quarter performance Saturday that left the Dallas Cowboys with a 34-13 preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals and intensified the competition for the team’s No. 2 quarterback role.
Strong half from Milton puts pressure on competition
Milton, a 26-year-old third-year pro, completed 9-of-13 passes for 176 yards, connected on two long touchdown passes and capped a sequence with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The showing marked Milton’s second consecutive impressive preseason outing as he and Sam Howell vie to back up starter Dak Prescott.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer cautioned that the competition was not decided, saying the race remained open and that both players would continue to be evaluated when the team returns to Frisco for more training-camp work.
“This is long from over. We’re going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in,” Schottenheimer said. “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.”
Key plays and stats
- Milton’s 53-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Mingo was a downfield strike after a double move by the receiver, executed cleanly down the left sideline.
- A 70-yard pass to Camden Brown set up Milton’s subsequent 1-yard rushing touchdown.
- Dallas led 24-6 at halftime and finished the night with a 34-13 score.
Milton’s crisp passing included a mix of deep and intermediate throws and the running score highlighted his dual-threat ability. He was originally a sixth-round pick by New England in 2024 and saw limited regular-season action with Dallas last year — appearing in four games and posting 183 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Supporting performances and game context
Jaydon Blue led the Cowboys rushing attack with 75 yards on 15 carries. Camden Brown’s 70-yard reception was the longest play from Milton and pushed Brown to the team lead in receiving yards that night.
Howell, who started the second half, completed 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards but threw an interception in the end zone. Howell started all 17 games for Washington in 2023 and spent last season in Philadelphia without regular-season appearances.
On the Cardinals’ side, Gardner Minshew played the whole first half and the opening series of the second before resting. He completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards and is expected to be the backup to Jacoby Brissett this season. Notably, Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel intercepted one of Minshew’s passes after a Cardinals receiver slipped on a route.
| Player | Stat |
|---|---|
| Joe Milton | 9-for-13, 176 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rush TD |
| Sam Howell | 7-for-10, 65 yards, 1 INT |
| Gardner Minshew | 19-for-23, 177 yards |
What this means going forward
The performance adds momentum to Milton’s bid for the Cowboys’ backup role but does not settle the competition. Schottenheimer’s public praise tempered by a reminder that the club will continue evaluating both quarterbacks suggests the team is weighing consistency across all training-camp reps and preseason snaps.
For fans tracking roster battles, the next visible checkpoint will come as the Cowboys conclude preseason play and final cuts loom. The club returns to Texas to continue training, then hosts the New Orleans Saints in their final exhibition game on Aug. 28. How the coaching staff balances game performance, practice habits and roster needs will determine whether Milton’s recent flashes translate into a permanent No. 2 role behind Prescott.
For residents in Milton, Ontario — who may notice the coincidence of a familiar name on an NFL box score — the story is a reminder how professional sport can produce small, unexpected connections between local place names and athletes on the national stage.
