Full Breakdown
Dallas Cowboys Face Backup Quarterback Dilemma as Joe Milton Struggles
8/18/2025, 11:45:02 AM
Current Situation of the Backup Quarterback Position
The Dallas Cowboys are grappling with significant concerns regarding their backup quarterback position as the 2025 NFL season approaches. Following the departure of Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens, the Cowboys traded for Joe Milton from the New England Patriots, hoping he would provide reliable support behind starting quarterback Dak Prescott. However, Milton's recent performances in the preseason have raised alarms about his readiness to step into a critical role if needed.
In two preseason games, Milton has completed 26 of 47 passes for 265 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. His most recent outing against the Ravens was particularly troubling, where he finished 9 of 18 for 122 yards, including an interception and a safety due to a sack. Milton's struggles have led to questions about his ability to perform under pressure and execute plays effectively.
Official Statements & Responses
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has publicly defended Milton, stating, “I wouldn’t say I’m concerned. We didn’t get into rhythm offensively. It wasn’t just Joe.” Schottenheimer emphasized the need for the entire offense to improve, indicating that the struggles were not solely on Milton. He also noted, “I feel like I don’t have to decide anything today,” suggesting that the team is still evaluating their options for the backup role.
Despite Schottenheimer's reassurances, the lack of confidence in Milton's performance has led to speculation about the Cowboys exploring other options. With Will Grier, a 30-year-old journeyman who has not played in a regular-season game since 2019, as the only other quarterback on the roster, the urgency to find a reliable backup is palpable.
Criticism & Opposition
The Cowboys' decision to trade for Milton has faced scrutiny, especially in light of his inconsistent performances. Fans and analysts have drawn comparisons to Trey Lance, the former Cowboys backup who has shown promise with the Los Angeles Chargers. Many believe that the Cowboys may have made a mistake in letting Lance go in favor of Milton, with some fans expressing frustration over the team's personnel decisions.
Critics argue that the Cowboys should have pursued a more experienced backup, especially given Prescott's history of injuries. Prescott has missed 26 games over the past five seasons, highlighting the importance of having a dependable backup ready to step in.
What's Next
As the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, Milton has one last opportunity to solidify his position as the backup quarterback. If he fails to demonstrate improvement, the Cowboys may be forced to consider external options as they finalize their roster ahead of the regular season.
The upcoming game will be crucial for Milton to prove he can handle the responsibilities of the backup role. If he continues to struggle, the Cowboys may need to look for a more seasoned quarterback to ensure they are prepared for any potential injuries to Prescott during the season.
