The Dallas Cowboys proved a clear point on Sunday, Aug. 23, by dismantling the Arizona Cardinals with a 34-13 score. Joe Milton stepped into the spotlight and showed why he deserves serious looks for the final roster spot. The numbers don’t lie, and the film doesn’t lie either. Milton looked sharp, making reads that other backups simply couldn’t handle against a defense that was trying its best. That statement? The backup quarterback room is deeper than anyone guessed.
The Quarterback Who Took Control
While the starters sat on the bench, Milton ran the show with confidence. According to localmemphis.com, the former Tennessee signal-caller shined during this preseason matchup, turning what could have been a dull exhibition into a showcase of his skills. He didn’t just manage the game; he attacked the defense. The Cowboys offense moved the ball with a rhythm that felt too good to be true for a second preseason game. Milton’s poise under pressure suggests he might be the player who keeps the team safe if injuries strike later in the season.
The Cardinals tried to respond, but they were playing with a hand tied behind their back. The loss was heavy on the scoreboard, but the context matters just as much as the points. The final score of 34-13 reflects a game where one side was fully ready to play while the other was missing most of its team. The gap between the two squads on that field was wider than the final margin suggests.
A Cardinals Team Missing Its Stars
You cannot judge a team’s true strength when thirty-four of its players are sitting in the stands. USA Today reported that 34 Arizona Cardinals players sat out the preseason game versus the Dallas Cowboys. That’s nearly half a roster missing from the field. When you strip away that many starters, the remaining players struggle to find their rhythm. The Cardinals looked confused and disjointed, not because their talent is gone, but because their depth was never tested in this specific contest.
The Cowboys took full advantage of this mismatch. They dominated a lineup that was missing its key pieces. ESPN confirmed the final score of 34-13 in Preseason Week 2 on Aug. 22, 2026, but the story is about how the Cowboys exploited a depleted opponent. It’s easy to look good when the other team is playing with a backup squad. The real test comes when both teams have their full rosters ready for the regular season.
This win proves the Cowboys have a solid plan for the backup quarterback position.
