The Cowboys lost 27-24 to the Saints on Friday night, yet the biggest story wasn’t the final score. Despite starting the game, Joe Milton failed to lock down the backup quarterback job for Dallas. Coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted the situation remains a toss-up between Milton and Sam Howell. That quote confirms what many fans suspected after watching the first half at AT&T Stadium.
Milton got the start for the second game in a row, but the offense did not click. The unit struggled to move the ball as smoothly as it did in the two previous outings. Milton threw 8 completions on 15 attempts for just 92 yards. He did not find the end zone, and he avoided being sacked by the Saints’ front seven. Four drives featured Milton, and the team managed only a single field goal on three of them. Brandon Aubrey missed a 57-yard attempt in the second quarter, which hurt the scoring total.
Milton showed his old habit of dancing with his feet when pressure came from the line. He evaded that pressure multiple times by stepping up or sliding outside to keep plays alive. A 27-yard completion to Camden Brown stood out as the best play of the night. But the connection between quarterback and receiver broke down on several other critical throws. Although tight end Michael Trigg dropped all three, Milton struck his hands three times. Brown also let one slip away when Milton threw it right to his hands in the pocket.
Backup Role Still Up For Grabs?
The offense looked shaky, and the stats suggest the backup role is still up for grabs. Schottenheimer’s comments indicate that Howell likely got a look that kept the race tight. The lack of a clear winner means the team must keep watching film closely this week. Dallas needs a reliable number two behind Dak Prescott for the regular season to start. Milton has the arm, but his decision-making and accuracy still need work before opening day.
The Saints defensive line got through the offensive line several times during the contest. Milton handled that pressure well, but he could not convert those escapes into big gains. The Cowboys offense needs to function better if it hopes to win games in September. Milton’s performance was a mix of good escapes and missed opportunities for big plays. The race for the second spot remains open as the team heads into the final roster cuts.
Both quarterbacks are fighting hard to prove they belong on the final 53-man roster. Schottenheimer knows the decision is tough because both players want the job so badly. The Cowboys will likely wait until the final preseason game to make their choice clear. Fans should expect more drama as the coaching staff weighs the options for the bench. The outcome of this battle could define the team’s success in a tough division.
Did Milton Do Enough?
Milton showed he can move the pocket, but he needs to get the ball to open men. Howell must show he can do better if he hopes to steal the job from Milton. The Saints game was just the latest chapter in a long and competitive quarterback battle. Dallas will need a clear answer before the first regular season kickoff. The clock is ticking on the preseason, and the pressure is building for both signal callers.
The Cowboys front office is watching every snap to see who handles the pressure best. Milton’s dancing feet kept him alive, but they did not create the yards the team needed. The drop by Trigg was frustrating, but the quarterback must also hit the tight end better. Brown’s drop was another sign that timing and chemistry are still works in progress. The Saints defense tested both the pocket and the receivers, and the results were mixed.
Milton showed resilience, but he needs to show more precision to win the starting job. The race is far from over, and the final weeks of preseason will be very intense. Dallas fans will have to wait a bit longer to see who backs up Dak Prescott. The decision is in the hands of the coaching staff, and they have seen enough to know. Schottenheimer noted that the situation remains tight as both players compete for the role. That single quote sums up the entire uncertainty facing the Cowboys heading into the final week.
