Milton makes case for Cowboys’ backup job in win over Cardinals

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Joe Milton had one other good day in his quest to turn out to be the Dallas Cowboys’ backup quarterback. Coach Brian Schottenheimer says there’s nonetheless work to be accomplished.

The third-year participant — who’s battling Sam Howell for the No. 2 function behind Dak Prescott — threw two landing passes and ran for a rating in a second straight spectacular preseason effort, sparking the Cowboys to a 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday evening.

“That is lengthy from over,” Schottenheimer mentioned in regards to the backup quarterback competitors. “We’re going again to Frisco, fortunately, get an opportunity to be house and put some extra coaching camp days in. You have to give Joe his credit score, he is performed very well the previous two video games, however we now have loads of confidence in Sam as effectively.”

Milton completed 9-of-13 passing for 176 yards, connecting on a 53-yard landing cross to Jonathan Mingo and a 70-yard strike to Camden Brown that arrange Milton’s 1-yard landing run a play later. The play to Mingo was completely executed, with the receiver making a double transfer earlier than Milton hit him in stride down the left sideline.

“This sport is about to having the ability to management the RPMs of the soccer and throw it with completely different speeds and touches,” Schottenheimer mentioned. “He is accomplished that at a really excessive degree.”

Dallas constructed a 24-6 lead by halftime. Jaydon Blue ran for 75 yards on 15 carries.

The 26-year-old Milton was a sixth-round decide by New England in 2024. He performed in 4 regular-season video games with Dallas final season, throwing for 183 yards, a landing and two interceptions.

Howell accomplished 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards within the second half, but in addition threw an interception in the long run zone. He began all 17 video games with Washington in 2023 and was with Philadelphia final season however did not seem in any regular-season video games.

Each groups rested most of their starters.

Arizona’s Gardner Minshew accomplished 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards, enjoying your entire first half and the primary collection of the second half. He is anticipated to be Jacoby Brissett’s backup this season.

Dallas defence shines early

Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel picked off Minshew’s cross halfway by the primary quarter after receiver Simi Fehoko slipped on the route. Revel returned the ball 22 yards to the Arizona 12.

Three performs later, Milton escaped from the pocket, rolled out to his left and hit Malik Davis for an 8-yard landing cross and a 7-0 lead.

Revel is in his second season after being drafted by the Cowboys within the third spherical out of East Carolina in 2025. He performed in seven video games final yr, beginning 5.

Cowboys rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham additionally had an early sort out for loss.

Penalty issues for Cardinals

The Cardinals had two touchdowns known as again on the identical drive when receiver Rivaldo Fairweather was flagged for a pair of penalties. Fairweather was known as for offensive holding on the primary play and offensive cross interference on the second.

Arizona had a to accept a 38-yard subject aim from Chad Ryland, which minimize the deficit to 14-3.

Later within the first half, the Cardinals had been known as for a false begin on the Dallas 1-yard line. Minshew was sacked on the following play and Ryland kicked a 31-yard subject aim.

“It was the end result of our week — we had a sloppy week of observe,” coach Mike LaFleur mentioned. “I do not suppose we have practiced very well during the last week since Vegas. There have been people who’ve practiced effectively, there’s been instances the place we have accomplished good issues, however total it wasn’t ok.

“This — tonight — was a abstract of that week on the whole.”

Cardinals security Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ribs) left late within the first quarter after delivering an enormous hit on Cowboys tight finish Zack Kuntz. Taylor-Demerson was known as for a private foul on the play. … Cowboys security Julius Wooden left within the third quarter with a concussion.

Cowboys: Host New Orleans on Friday evening.

Cardinals: At Inexperienced Bay on Friday evening.