Full Breakdown
Joe Milton’s Preseason Surge Strengthens Case for Dallas Cowboys Backup Role
8/23/2026, 11:34:57 AM
Core Event: Milton Leads Cowboys to 34-13 Victory Over Cardinals
In a preseason matchup in Glendale, Arizona, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13. Third-year quarterback Joe Milton threw two touchdown passes—a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo and a 70-yard connection with Camden Brown—and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Cowboys built a 24-6 lead by halftime and held on for the win.
Background & Context: Backup Quarterback Competition
Dallas entered the game with Dak Prescott as the presumed starter. The backup spot is contested between Milton, a sixth-round pick of New England in 2024, and Sam Howell, who started all 17 games for Washington in 2023 and spent the 2024 season with Philadelphia without regular-season action. Both players are vying for the No. 2 role behind Prescott.
Data & Statistics
- Joe Milton: 9-of-13 passing, 176 yards, 2 TD passes, 1 rushing TD.
- Sam Howell (second half): 7-of-10 passing, 65 yards, 1 interception in the end zone.
- Gardner Minshew (Cardinals): 19-of-23 passing, 177 yards, played the first half and the opening series of the second half.
- Shavon Revel (Cowboys cornerback): intercepted Minshew early in the first quarter, returning the ball 22 yards to the Arizona 12.
- Cardinals penalties nullified two touchdowns on the same drive, and a false start at the Dallas 1-yard line preceded a field-goal attempt.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Milton’s performance while emphasizing the ongoing nature of the competition: “This is long from over,” he said, adding that the team will return to Frisco for additional training camp days.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur described the team’s practice week as “sloppy,” indicating that the loss reflected broader preparation issues rather than a single game performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This game is about to being able to control the RPMs of the football and throw it with different speeds and touches,” — Brian Schottenheimer, coach
What’s Next
The Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints on Friday night, providing another opportunity for Milton and Howell to showcase their development before the regular season. The Cardinals travel to Green Bay for their next preseason contest.
