The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL preseason debut was a forgettable one, as they fell to the Los Angeles Rams in a game that exposed glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball. The offense sputtered early, unable to find any rhythm, while the defense was equally ineffective, failing to contain the Rams’ attack. At the center of the Cowboys’ lackluster performance was quarterback Joe Milton III, whose inconsistent play drew scrutiny but also a surprising vote of confidence from head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Milton, making his debut start for Dallas, struggled mightily with accuracy and decision-making. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Despite the uneven performance, he showed flashes of potential late in the game, using his mobility to add 22 yards on five carries before exiting early due to an elbow injury. His self-assessment was candid, acknowledging the need to improve, particularly in taking safer options like checkdowns.
Schottenheimer, however, remained optimistic about the young quarterback’s future. Addressing Milton’s performance, he noted a critical moment on a second-and-seven play where Milton opted for a risky throw instead of a checkdown. “Ultra-competitive, he was moving left, and he threw it up there,” Schottenheimer said, as reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic. “That’s one of the things when Joe watches it that he’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I probably should have taken the checkdown.’” Despite the mistake, Schottenheimer praised Milton’s ability to settle down and find a rhythm later in the game, emphasizing his “terrific talent” and the value of every rep for his development into a “great pro.”
The Cowboys’ decision to stand by Milton has sparked debate among fans and analysts. On one hand, his raw athleticism and arm strength make him an intriguing project for a team looking to bolster its quarterback depth. With three years remaining on his contract, Dallas has time to mold him into a potential asset. On the other hand, the preseason opener exposed concerning flaws in his game—namely, inconsistent accuracy and questionable decision-making under pressure, as evidenced by a sack from Rams linebacker Josaiah Stewart. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, relying on an unproven quarterback, even as a backup, feels like a gamble.
Schottenheimer’s confidence in Milton reflects a long-term vision, but the immediate outlook is less certain. The Cowboys’ offense needs more consistency, and the defense must shore up its vulnerabilities if they hope to compete in the regular season. Milton’s development will depend on his ability to learn from mistakes and capitalize on his physical gifts. For now, Dallas is banking on his potential, but the clock is ticking to turn promise into production.
As the preseason continues, all eyes will be on Milton to see if he can build on his late-game flashes and justify the faith placed in him. The Cowboys’ commitment to their young quarterback may be controversial, but it’s a calculated risk—one that could either pay dividends or leave them searching for answers in a highly competitive NFC.