The Dallas Cowboys are off to a red-hot start in the preseason after winning a second straight game, this time a 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Dallas’ offense got a big boost from its quarterback, Joe Milton III. Milton finished 9-of-13 for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns, adding 3 rushes for 2 yards and 1 additional score.
That kind of performance has put Milton on the map, and most believe it has won him the Cowboys’ backup job. It’s a big reason why people shouldn’t be sleeping on Milton anymore.
Hype Train Has Officially Started for Dallas Cowboys QB Joe Milton III
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 26: Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter in the game at Empower Field At Mile High on October 26, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox watched eight NFL preseason games to decide which ones to buy stock in or sell. Milton’s was an easy buy for Knox.
“Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III had a fantastic outing against a bad Arizona Cardinals defense, finishing with 179 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing score. He also made several eye-catching throws on Saturday evening.
However, the Cowboys are still leaving the competition for their backup QB job open for now.”
“However, Milton’s Week 2 display should be enough to earn him the nod over Sam Howell to be Dak Prescott’s understudy. The 2024 sixth-round pick out of Tennessee has long possessed impressive physical traits, and he’s beginning to add some nuance, anticipation, and processing to his game.
The fact that Milton’s latest performance came against an Arizona team that seemed largely uninterested in playing defense should not diminish his development. His combination of arm talent and running ability makes him a much better fit for Dallas’ offense than Howell should either be called upon to play in the regular season.”
Most have viewed Milton’s first two seasons in the NFL as nothing special. He has completed 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards and 2 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. Milton has also rushed for 66 yards and 1 touchdown in five games.
Should Cowboys Make Joe Milton III the Backup QB?
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 15: Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball during the third quarter during the NFL preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images)
Milton is currently in a position battle with Sam Howell for the backup QB job. After the Cardinals game, many believe the battle is over and in Milton’s favor.
When Milton entered the NFL, everyone talked about his rocket arm and his ability to make things happen with his legs. He had the makings of a good quarterback who needed a year or two to develop.
That time he spent developing on the bench seems to be finally paying off. He’s surpassing Howell for the job by a mile, and Milton is looking like everything the Cowboys wanted out of him.
If something happened to Dak Prescott, Cowboys fans feel better about Milton stepping in. Milton has all the tools needed to be a very good quarterback in this league.
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