‘Watching Joe Milton Makes Me Nervous’ — Skip Bayless Compares Cowboys QB to Shedeur Sanders

Veteran sports commentator and outspoken Dallas Cowboys fan Skip Bayless isn’t known for holding back, and his latest remarks on the team’s quarterback situation are no exception. With Dallas’ second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens looming on Saturday in Arlington, Bayless voiced concerns about the backup quarterback role, singling out Joe Milton III after a shaky performance in the season’s preseason opener.

Milton, a former Tennessee Volunteers standout, started for Dallas against the Los Angeles Rams, completing 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also rushed five times for 22 yards, but his performance left fans and analysts alike questioning the security of the Cowboys’ depth behind star QB Dak Prescott.

Speaking on his show, Bayless didn’t mince words. “Watching Joe Milton try to play quarterback the other night against the Rams, I couldn’t help but think, ‘I sure hope Dak stays healthy all season,’” he said. “Joe Milton is the flipside of Shedeur Sanders. Huge young man with a huge arm, but a young man who struggles to play the hardest position in all of sports. He doesn’t have Shedeur’s feel for playing quarterback, Shedeur’s command, Shedeur’s poise, Shedeur’s consistent, deadly accuracy. Watching Shedeur play quarterback just makes me comfortable. Watching Joe Milton makes me nervous. But I guess Joe Milton III is going to be the Cowboys’ backup quarterback.”

Bayless’ comparison to Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders is notable because Sanders, the former Colorado standout, has impressed with his command, accuracy, and composure in college and early NFL action. While Milton has shown flashes of his immense talent, he has also displayed inconsistencies that have led to incomplete drives, poor decisions, and missed throws—traits that can make fans anxious, especially in a high-stakes NFL environment.

Milton’s performance against the Rams reinforced these concerns. While he delivered a few deep passes showcasing his arm strength, the game also featured drives derailed by indecision or small errors that prevented him from capitalizing on opportunities. For Bayless and many fans, that inconsistency makes Milton a nervous choice as a backup, given the pressure of stepping in if Prescott were to miss time.

On the flip side, the comparison to Sanders may be premature. While Sanders demonstrated excellent touch, decision-making, and field awareness at the collegiate level, it’s unclear how quickly that poise will translate to the professional stage. NFL defenses are faster, more complex, and more unforgiving than what most quarterbacks face in college, and even highly talented players can struggle with the transition.

The upcoming game against the Ravens will be an early indicator of Milton’s potential to adapt and improve. If he performs well, it could shift public perception and maybe even Bayless’ critical stance. For now, though, the Cowboys’ backup QB position remains a point of uncertainty, and Bayless’ candid assessment has sparked conversation among fans about the team’s depth and preparedness.

Ultimately, the discussion highlights the high expectations placed on NFL quarterbacks and the fine line between talent and reliability at the position. While Milton possesses the physical tools to succeed, translating that into consistent performance under pressure will be key if he hopes to inspire confidence similar to what fans feel watching Sanders.

As Dallas prepares for its second preseason outing, all eyes will be on Milton, the team’s young gunslinger with a big arm and a lot to prove. For now, Skip Bayless’ statement sums up the cautious optimism—and lingering nerves—around the Cowboys’ quarterback room: watching Joe Milton play can excite, but it also makes some, including one of the league’s most outspoken analysts, very nervous.