Joe Milton continued to make a strong case for the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback position during a 34-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals. The third-year player threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing score, showcasing his abilities in a second consecutive impressive preseason performance.
Milton completed 9 of 13 passes for 176 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown to Jonathan Mingo and a 70-yard completion to Camden Brown, which set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Milton. Coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged Milton's good performance but emphasized that the competition for the backup role against Sam Howell is ongoing, stating, "This is long from over."
The Cowboys established a 24-6 lead by halftime, with Jaydon Blue contributing 75 rushing yards on 15 carries. Howell, who started all 17 games for Washington last season, completed 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards but threw an interception in the end zone during the second half.
Arizona's quarterback Gardner Minshew played the entire first half and completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards. However, the Cardinals struggled with penalties, having two touchdowns nullified on one drive due to infractions against receiver Rivaldo Fairweather. Coach Mike LaFleur noted that their performance reflected a lack of preparation during the week leading up to the game.
Defensively, Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel intercepted a pass from Minshew early in the game, returning it 22 yards to set up an early touchdown. Revel, a third-round pick in 2025, is in his second season with the Cowboys. The game also saw injuries, with Cardinals safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson leaving due to a rib injury and Cowboys safety Julius Wood exiting with a concussion.
