Updated

Updated · AtoZ Sports · Aug 23

Cowboys Beat Cardinals 34-13 as Joe Milton Throws 2 TDs and Jaishawn Barham Boosts Stock

Updated

Updated · AtoZ Sports · Aug 23

Cowboys Beat Cardinals 34-13 as Joe Milton Throws 2 TDs and Jaishawn Barham Boosts Stock

Q: Can Joe Milton's explosive preseason performance truly dethrone an experienced veteran for the Cowboys' coveted backup quarterback role?

Yes — Milton can take the job, but one explosive preseason night alone should not be enough to definitively unseat Sam Howell. Milton has clearly changed the conversation. Against Arizona, he went 9-of-13 for 179 yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing score, and through two preseason halves he has produced 286 yards and four total touchdowns. Just as important, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer praised not only Milton’s arm talent but his improved touch, decision-making and command of the offense. Milton himself said he now fully understands the playbook after being only partially comfortable with it a year ago. For a backup role, that growth matters as much as the highlights. Still, Howell’s case remains real because experience is the biggest counterweight. He has 18 career starts and has operated in multiple NFL systems. For coaches choosing a No. 2 quarterback behind Dak Prescott, reliability and the ability to keep the offense on schedule can outweigh upside. That is why Dallas framed this as an open competition and has rotated reps evenly. The most telling sign is not just Milton’s box score, but that he looks calmer, more in control and better able to use his elite arm without overdriving every throw. If that continues in camp and the next preseason game, he may well win QB2. Right now, Milton appears to have momentum and perhaps the edge, but the job is not settled until Dallas decides whether it values Howell’s experience more than Milton’s rising ceiling.

3 articles · Updated · AtoZ Sports · Aug 23

Joe Milton strengthened his grip on the Cowboys' backup quarterback job by going 9-of-13 for 179 yards and two touchdowns, while Sam Howell hurt his case with a red-zone interception.
Jaishawn Barham emerged as the top defensive standout, flashing starting-caliber instincts with a tackle for loss, a pressure and multiple run stops while wearing the green dot.
Malik Davis appeared to settle the RB2 battle with a touchdown, hard running and pass protection, while Jaydon Blue improved with 15 carries for 75 yards.
Drew Shelton and Marist Liufau saw their roster cases weaken after protection and defensive struggles, and safety Julius Wood's concussion-related exit came at a bad time a week before cuts.
Jonathan Mingo and Camden Brown both made explosive plays in the fight for WR5, raising the possibility Dallas keeps six receivers on its 53-man roster.