Joe Milton made a strong case for the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback job with two touchdown passes and a score on the ground in their 34-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The 26-year-old Milton, who was a sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2024, finished 9-of-13 passing for 176 yards, connecting on a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Mingo and a 70-yard strike to Camden Brown. Milton's effort came as he battles Sam Howell for the No. 2 role behind Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys built a 24-6 lead by halftime, with Jaydon Blue running for 75 yards on 15 carries. Milton's 1-yard touchdown run was set up by Brown's 70-yard touchdown pass.
Dallas cornerback Shavon Revel picked off Minshew's pass midway through the first quarter, returning the ball 22 yards to the Arizona 12. Revel's interception led to Milton's 8-yard touchdown pass to Malik Davis for a 7-0 lead.
The Cardinals had penalty problems, with receiver Rivaldo Fairweather being flagged for a pair of penalties on the same drive. Fairweather was called for offensive holding on the first play and offensive pass interference on the second, leading to Arizona settling for a 38-yard field goal.
Cowboys rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham also had an early tackle for loss. In the second half, Sam Howell completed 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards, but also threw an interception in the end zone.
Gardner Minshew completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards, playing the entire first half and the first series of the second half. He's expected to be Jacoby Brissett's backup this season.
The Cowboys defense also shone, with Revel in his second season after being drafted by the Cowboys in the third round out of East Carolina in 2025.
Cowboys safety Julius Wood left in the third quarter with a concussion. Cardinals safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson left late in the first quarter after delivering a big hit on Cowboys tight end Zack Kuntz.
Up next, the Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints on Friday night, while the Cardinals travel to Green Bay to face the Packers.
Source: Yahoo Sports