Milton Takes Charge in QB2 Battle
Joe Milton delivered a commanding performance in the Dallas Cowboys' 34-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, completing 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, while also adding a rushing score. The third-year quarterback led the Cowboys to a 24-13 halftime lead, capping a two-game stretch in which he has completed 75 percent of his passes for 289 yards and four total touchdowns.
Sam Howell, his primary competitor for the backup job, went 7-for-10 for 65 yards with one interception. Through two preseason games, Howell has completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 159 yards, with one touchdown and one pick. Milton's numbers were even more impressive considering he was working with the lesser unit last week, and he again outperformed Howell with the second-team offense on Saturday.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Milton's consistency, saying "Joe has put together two really, really good halves." Schottenheimer also noted Milton's ability to "control RPMs" and throw with different speeds. However, the coach tempered expectations, adding, "This is long from over. We're going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. But he has played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in Sam as well."
Milton's progress was evident beyond the box score. He showed improved pocket presence, decision-making, and touch, delivering a 53-yard pass to Jonathan Mingo and a 70-yard gain to Camden Brown. His performance prompted at least one observer to suggest he "would easily be the QB2" if roster cuts were made today.
Mingo and Brown Boost Their Stock
Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, who joined the Cowboys via trade during the 2024 season, has made a strong case for a roster spot. After appearing in 14 regular-season games with the team, totaling just six receptions on 21 targets for 71 yards, Mingo recorded his first career touchdown—in the regular season or preseason—with a 53-yard catch from Milton on Saturday.
Mingo's primary competition for a spot is undrafted rookie Camden Brown, who has been equally impressive. Brown caught two touchdown passes in Week 1 and added a 69-yard gain from Milton against Arizona, though he fumbled the ball while extending for the goal line; the ball went out of bounds, giving Dallas possession at the one-yard line. Despite the fumble, Brown's route-running and ability to make plays after the catch have drawn attention.
ESPN's Todd Archer predicts the Cowboys will keep six wide receivers: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, and Brown. In his final roster projections before the August 30 cutoff, Archer wrote, "The top four have been a given. The last two have been in a state of flux. Brown, undrafted out of Georgia Southern, was able to take to the game what he did in practice. Mingo has earned his way into the mix with a solid summer performance."
Other Standouts and Looking Ahead
Safety Julius Wood recorded seven tackles before leaving the game with a concussion. The Cowboys, now 2-0 in the preseason, will close out the exhibition slate against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.