A Late Twist in Dallas
The preseason finale ended with a shock for the Cowboys. They erased a 15-point deficit but still lost 27-24. Sam Howell threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns and scored on a tying two-point run. It looked like a win. Then Zach Wilson took over for the Saints. He led a drive that ended with a 53-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson. The clock showed 1:55 left when the kick went through. Yahoo Sports reports that the Cowboys failed to secure their first undefeated preseason in 20 years. That stat hurts. It shows how close they came to perfection before the late collapse.
Joe Milton started the first half for Dallas. He went 8 of 15 for 92 yards. His team kicked three field goals by Brandon Aubrey. But the real story is what happens next. Both teams needed answers at backup quarterback. The Cowboys have Dak Prescott as their starter. The Saints have Tyler Shough. The game was the final live look at the backup jobs for both squads. Neither team found a clear winner yet.
Howell and Rattler Show Glimpses
Sam Howell made the most of his time. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 155 yards. His touchdowns went to Jordan Hudson for 26 yards and Mitch Van Vooren for 21 yards. The Cowboys offense moved well in the second half. Spencer Rattler played well for the Saints in the first half. He scored on an 8-yard keeper and directed three scoring drives. Rattler finished 8 of 10 for 79 yards. Wilson finished 9 of 12 for 93 yards. These numbers look good on paper. Yet the game ended with a loss for Dallas and a win for New Orleans.
The Saints avoided their first winless preseason since 2015. That is a relief for New Orleans fans. But the question remains for Dallas. Who will back up Dak Prescott? The coaching staff watched every play. They saw Howell fight back from a deficit. They saw Milton struggle in the first half. The data is in. The decision is hard.
The Road to Week One
This game proved that the backup spot is wide open. Zach Wilson sealed the win, but he does not solve the Saints’ depth chart. Tyler Shough is the starter, but the competition is not over. The same is true for Dallas. The Cowboys need a reliable second option. Howell showed he can lead a rally. Milton showed he can manage a drive. The final score was 27-24. The margin was small. The uncertainty is huge.
Fans want a clear answer before the regular season starts. The preseason is over. The roster cuts are coming. The coaching staff must decide now. Dallas needs a player who can step in without panic. New Orleans needs a player who can protect their lead. The film is ready for review. The numbers are clear. The choice is the hardest part. The Cowboys will watch the tape closely. They know what is at stake. A good backup changes a season. A bad one ends it fast.
