Joe Milton Flips Cowboys' QB2 Battle on its Head After Dominating in Preseason Week 2

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton has seized control of the QB2 battle after an outstanding performance in preseason Week 2.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III (10) throws a pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We have a new leader in the clubhouse for the QB2 job after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton was outstanding against the Arizona Cardinals in preseason Week 2 on Saturday night.

Milton, who was trailing in the race going into the preseason but tightened the gap last week, completed 9-of-13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns to no picks, and he added a rushing score for good measure.

But Milton could have had more if not for tight end Zack Kuntz dropping a pass on the opening drive that prevented another scoring opportunity for the Tennessee product.

Compare Milton's night to fellow signal-caller Sam Howell, who went 7-for-10 for 65 yards with one interception.

Through two preseason games, Milton has easily been the better player. He outperformed Howell with the lesser unit in preseason Week 1, and he did the same with the twos on Saturday night.

Through two preseason games, Milton has completed 75% of his passes for 289 yards and four total touchdowns. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Howell, has a 68.2% completion rate for 159 yards and one touchdown to one pick.

Joe Milton passing the eye test

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III (10) throws a pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's more than just about the numbers for Milton, though. He has clearly shown improved pocket presence, decision-making and touch when throwing the rock.

Just look at these two throws, which were Milton's best of the night.

He showed both his big arm and touch on the 53-yard dime to wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Later on, Milton threw on the run and across his body while escaping pressure from Cincinnati to set wide receiver Camden Brown up for a 70-yard gain.

Joe Milton III put his arm on full display tonight 🚀

9/13, 179 YDS, 3 Total TDs, 0 INT.

What team needs to call up Dallas for Milton? pic.twitter.com/U1Nq7Drx8c

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) August 23, 2026

Brian Schottenheimer praises Joe Milton

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Safe to say, head coach Brian Schottenheimer was impressed with his backup quarterback.

"Joe has put together two really, really good halves," Schottenheimer said after the game.

"This game is about being able to control the RPMs of the football and throw it with different speeds and touches and he's done that at a really high level. But I thought the scramble to his left to Cam was a big play as well, and then he was able to get (into the end zone) with his legs as well," Schottenheimer added.

When the Cowboys added Howell earlier this offseason, that was no doubt a bad sign for Milton, who looked like he would succumb to the competition earlier in training camp.

Now, Milton looks like the superior quarterback over Howell and he would easily be the QB2 if 53-man roster cuts were today.