Many questions lingered, and truthfully, they still do, regarding the performance of Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton. His showings in the early preseason games brought little more than frustration and headaches. Yet yesterday, in the team’s final preseason matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, something seemed to shift in his favor. He delivered a solid performance, not dazzling, but certainly encouraging.
The team looked sharp under his command, supported by a running game that also stood out. While the outing was far from spectacular, the Cowboys projected a noticeably improved image that offers a glimmer -albeit a faint one- of hope for the 2025 season, which kicks off in just two weeks.
A different performance from Joe Milton
For players on the roster bubble, the last preseason game is crucial to prove they belong. The Cowboys started shakily in the opening minutes against Atlanta, but gradually settled in and displayed better execution on the field.
Quarterback Joe Milton, whose previous preseason appearances had raised serious doubts, approached the contest with renewed focus. He showed flashes of arm strength and mobility that had previously been missing. The leader of Dallas’s offense seemed determined to put behind him the rough start of earlier games, focusing instead on proving why Jerry Jones had selected him to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup.
In an interview weeks earlier, Milton spoke about how comfortable he felt working alongside Prescott, describing him as a mentor from whom he was learning daily while refining his mechanics. Now, those lessons appear to be paying dividends. Progress remains incremental, but the signs point to steady improvement.
Precision in his passes
One of Milton’s defining traits in this final preseason appearance was his accuracy. He demonstrated better timing and chemistry with his receivers, which translated into positive results on the scoreboard. He executed long and intermediate throws with precision, placing the ball where only his targets could make the catch.
With this kind of improvement, the Cowboys may finally have a dependable option ready should Prescott suffer an injury, a scenario that has unfortunately recurred in recent seasons. Milton’s growth could give the team a reliable fallback capable of guiding the offense to stability if needed.
Joe Milton’s numbers in his final preseason game
Statistically, Milton’s performance was solid, though not eye-catching. His numbers told the story of a reliable outing: effective, mistake-free, and efficient.
He attempted 18 passes, completing 10 for 134 yards across three quarters. He added a touchdown through the air and showcased his versatility by rushing four times for 33 yards, including another score.
Now, with less than two weeks to prepare for their season opener, the Cowboys are turning their focus to the defending champions and division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. The matchup, scheduled for Thursday, September 4, will officially kick off the 2025 NFL season.
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