The Dallas Cowboys are entering a new era with Brian Schottenheimer at head coach. Dallas made plenty of moves this offseason to set Schottenheimer up for success during his first season. The first-year head coach is already facing some difficult decisions just weeks before the regular season.
Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III did not get a vote of confidence from his head coach on Saturday.
“I wouldn’t say I’m concerned,” Schottenheimer said about Joe Milton's performance, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. “We didn’t get in a rhythm. … It wasn’t just Joe.”
Milton had an ugly first half against the Ravens, only completing two passes for 18 yards on eight attempts. He also logged one interception after making a questionable throw into double coverage. Milton also threw an interception in last week's preseason game.
Thankfully Milton rebounded in the second half, ending the game 9-of-18 for 122 yards and an interception. He did get an opportunity to showcase his arm on a 49-yard completion with Jonathan Mingo.
Schottenheimer added that “I feel like I don’t have to decide anything today” about the team's backup quarterback job.
The Cowboys acquired Joe Milton III in a trade with the Patriots back in April.
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Milton is in a training camp competition with Will Grier for Dallas' backup job behind Dak Prescott. At this point in the preseason, Milton seems to have a comfortable lead over Grier.
When asked about having a backup quarterback the team can trust, Schottenheimer gave a more optimistic answer.
“I think we have to believe that,” Schottenheimer replied. “I think we do believe that. … I’m not panicked.”
Schottenheimer might be optimistic, but Cowboys fans may not share his optimism.
The Cowboys lost Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury during the 2024 season. If that happens again in 2025, things could get ugly for Dallas in a hurry.
Next up for Dallas is their preseason finale against Atlanta on August 22nd.
a]:text-link [&_>a]:underline">Ben Strauss is an associate editor and writer covering the NFL, NCAA Football, and fantasy football for ClutchPoints. The Michigan State graduate has written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.