Brian Schottenheimer makes feelings clear on Cowboys’ backup QB battle image
The Dallas Cowboys entered their preseason opener needing more information about the competition behind Dak Prescott. They left Seattle with two encouraging performances but no obvious separation.
Sam Howell and Joe Milton III both directed touchdown drives during Dallas’ 17-7 victory over the Seahawks on Saturday. Neither quarterback committed a turnover, and each connected with undrafted rookie Camden Brown for a touchdown.
Howell started and completed eight of 12 passes for 94 yards. Milton took over after halftime and finished 11 of 13 for 96 yards while also adding 22 yards on four rushing attempts.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer liked what he saw from both players.
Schottenheimer praises Howell and Milton after Cowboys win
“I thought both guys functioned outstanding,” Schottenheimer said during his postgame press conference.
Seattle tested the Cowboys’ quarterbacks with frequent pressure. Schottenheimer acknowledged that Dallas did not always handle those looks correctly, leading to several hits and disrupted plays.
Howell and Milton responded without allowing the pressure to produce a disastrous mistake.
“They brought a bunch of things against us that, not that we weren’t prepared for, but we didn’t handle very well,” Schottenheimer said. “They were taking some shots. But they just hung in there and made the throws when they had to make them.”
Howell produced the night’s first Dallas touchdown when he found Brown for a 39-yard score late in the second quarter. Milton followed with a perfectly placed fade that Brown secured with one hand in the third quarter.
“They were both very efficient,” Schottenheimer said. “That’s what we want.”
MORE: Cowboys rookie sends loud roster message in preseason win over Seahawks
Cowboys’ backup QB competition remains wide open
Schottenheimer explained that Dallas primarily evaluates its quarterbacks on two results: scoring points and protecting the football. Howell and Milton checked both boxes in Seattle.
The circumstances also made their performances more impressive. Dallas had difficulty creating running room in the first half, and Schottenheimer acknowledged that the offensive line experienced some “leaky moments” against Seattle’s defensive front. The Cowboys’ quarterbacks still completed 19 of their combined 25 passes. Milton’s mobility added another element, particularly in short-yardage situations.
“He’s pretty much unstoppable on quarterback sneaks,” Schottenheimer said. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that I wasn’t going to do anything different. I was just going to let him sneak it. Big, powerful man.”
Milton’s physical tools make him the more intriguing developmental option. Howell, meanwhile, offers greater NFL experience after starting 18 regular-season games across his time with the Washington Commanders and Seahawks.
Saturday did not settle the competition. If anything, it ensured that the Cowboys will need more time to make their decision.
That is not a bad outcome for Dallas. The Cowboys wanted to see whether both quarterbacks could operate the offense, respond to pressure and protect the ball.
Howell and Milton gave Schottenheimer exactly that.
MORE NFL NEWS