Man, if you were locked into the Cowboys and Cardinals preseason game Saturday night in Glendale, you witnessed a total rollercoaster ride for a couple of guys fighting for backup quarterback spots. Joe Milton, who got the start for the Dallas Cowboys, absolutely lit up the field and proved he’s a serious contender. On the flip side, Gardner Minshew, opening the game for the Arizona Cardinals, had a night he’ll definitely want to forget. It was a tale of two very different performances, and one guy clearly put himself ahead.
Milton’s Explosive Audition
This dude Milton? He was just unstoppable! He didn’t waste any time, hitting Malik Davis for his first passing touchdown in the first quarter. Then, without missing a beat, he dropped a gorgeous 53-yard bomb right into Jonathan Mingo’s hands for another score. We’re talking two passing TDs in the first quarter alone! And he wasn’t done showing off his arm or his wheels. On the Cowboys’ third series, he found Camden Brown for a ridiculous 70-yard gain. Then, just to prove he’s got that dual-threat capability, Milton himself ran in a third touchdown to cap off that very same drive. His first-half stat line was absolutely nuts: 9-for-13 passing for 179 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, and not a single sack allowed. That’s a clean sheet! Milton is clearly giving Sam Howell a run for his money in the battle for that crucial QB2 spot behind Dak Prescott. This performance? It’s a massive statement, showing he can sling it deep and command the offense.
Minshew’s Rocky Road
Now, let’s talk about Gardner Minshew. He got the nod to start for the Cardinals, and honestly, it was a rough watch. You remember he threw two touchdowns in his first preseason game? Well, this second outing was a whole different story. The efficiency just wasn’t there. Their very first drive ended in a deflating turnover when Minshew threw an attempted deep pass right into the arms of a defender. Ouch, that’s never how you want to start a game, especially when you’re trying to prove yourself! While he did lead the Cardinals to a field goal drive later, highlighted by a decent 37-yard pass to Simi Fehoko, they couldn’t seal the deal in the red zone on their next possession. Minshew ended up getting sacked on third down at the Cowboys’ 13-yard line, forcing them to settle for another field goal. You just can’t be leaving points off the board like that when every snap is an audition. His first-half numbers: 15-for-18 for 130 yards, zero touchdowns, that critical interception, and one sack. Minshew is battling rookie Carson Beck to be the QB2 behind Jacoby Brissett, and after a performance like this, the pressure is seriously on.
What’s Next for These QB Battles
The Cowboys went into halftime with a commanding 24-6 lead over the Cardinals, a lead largely built on Milton’s incredible first-half heroics. Both Milton and Minshew, along with their respective competitors, are going to get one final shot to prove their worth next week when the preseason schedule officially wraps up. The Cardinals are hitting the road to face the Green Bay Packers on Friday. That same night, the Cowboys will be back at home, hosting the New Orleans Saints for their preseason finale. These games are everything for these guys. Who’s gonna show up and snag that backup job? It’s all on the line!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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