Joe Milton Gets One Final Shot to Impress Cowboys Coaches, Will Start vs. Falcons

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, all eyes will be on backup quarterback Joe Milton. The former New England Patriots quarterback has struggled during his time with the Cowboys so far, and his performance in the final preseason game could determine whether he secures a spot on the roster for the regular season.

The Struggles So Far

Joe Milton’s preseason debut with the Cowboys didn’t go as planned, and unfortunately, his second outing against the Baltimore Ravens was no different. Milton was handed the starting role for the Cowboys in the loss to the Ravens, but his performance left much to be desired. He finished the game with just 9 completions on 18 attempts, throwing one interception and posting a QBR of only 48.8.

Milton’s struggles have been evident, despite his impressive arm strength, which is the main reason why the Cowboys traded for him. The young quarterback has shown flashes of potential, but the consistency and growth that Dallas needs to see from him have been lacking. With the regular season on the horizon, the Cowboys need to make a decision about the backup quarterback role, and Milton’s performance on Friday against the Falcons could be his last chance to prove he belongs.

The Opportunity Ahead

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Milton will start once again in the preseason finale. This is an opportunity for the 24-year-old to prove himself, but it comes with a lot of pressure. Schottenheimer also revealed that starting quarterback Dak Prescott will not play in the game, which means the backup job is truly up for grabs.

The preseason finale against the Falcons could be a make-or-break moment for Milton’s career with the Cowboys. If he continues to struggle and fails to show the improvement that coaches are hoping for, the Cowboys may have no choice but to make Will Grier the backup quarterback heading into the regular season.

The Backup Battle

Milton’s path to the backup quarterback position hasn’t been an easy one. With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the Cowboys’ starter, the backup role is arguably the most important position on the roster behind him. The Cowboys have been evaluating Milton and Will Grier throughout the preseason, and so far, Grier has made a stronger case for the job.

Grier, who has been with the Cowboys for a while, has shown more consistency in his performances. His familiarity with the offense and his ability to make plays in key situations have impressed coaches and fans alike. In comparison, Milton’s potential has yet to translate into consistent results, making the competition for the backup role a tough one.

If Milton’s performance doesn’t improve in the Falcons game, it could be the end of his time as a Cowboy. Even if he does show some improvement, he’ll likely have to continue developing and proving his worth to remain on the roster beyond this season.

The Pressure to Perform

Milton’s performance in the preseason has shown that he has a long way to go before he can be considered a reliable backup quarterback for an NFL team. While arm strength and potential are important, the Cowboys need a backup who can step in and execute the offense effectively in case of injury to Prescott.

The pressure on Milton is immense as he heads into the final preseason game. Not only is he auditioning for a spot on the Cowboys’ roster, but he is also proving to the entire NFL that he can develop into a competent quarterback with the right coaching and experience.

The Future of Joe Milton

Even if Milton doesn’t secure the backup quarterback spot for the Cowboys this season, it doesn’t mean his NFL career is over. The Cowboys’ decision to acquire him shows they see potential in him. If he doesn’t make the roster, he could find a place elsewhere in the league, potentially as a developmental quarterback.

But for now, Milton’s focus will be solely on impressing the Cowboys’ coaches. He has one last shot to show that he belongs on the roster and can provide a reliable backup option for Prescott. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the young quarterback as he heads into the final preseason game against the Falcons.

Conclusion

Friday’s preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons will be a defining moment for Joe Milton and his future with the Dallas Cowboys. With his struggles in the first two games of the preseason, the pressure is on for Milton to prove that he can be the backup quarterback the team needs behind Dak Prescott. If he doesn’t show significant improvement, the Cowboys may have no choice but to move forward with Will Grier.

Regardless of what happens, Milton’s journey with the Cowboys will be a reminder of how unpredictable the NFL can be. A single game can make or break a player’s future with a franchise. For now, all eyes will be on Joe Milton as he takes the field one final time in 2025 preseason action, with his NFL career hanging in the balance.