In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys have named Joe Milton III as their starting quarterback for their Week 2 NFL preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. This decision, announced by head coach Brian Schottenheimer before the team left Oxnard, California, to return to Texas, has raised eyebrows as the Cowboys prepare to face a familiar foe in former backup quarterback Cooper Rush, now leading the Ravens’ offense at AT&T Stadium.
Milton’s Rocky Debut and Opportunity for Redemption
Joe Milton III’s performance in the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams was a mixed bag. Completing 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, Milton threw one touchdown but also an interception, showing flashes of potential but struggling with consistency. On the ground, he added 22 yards on five carries, displaying the athleticism that has intrigued the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Despite being shaken up during the game, Milton’s post-game comments were candid and determined. “I need to settle down and play my game,” Milton said, vowing to improve in his next outing.
Schottenheimer’s decision to stick with Milton for the Week 2 start reflects the team’s commitment to evaluating the young quarterback’s potential as a long-term option. While Will Grier impressed in limited action against the Rams, the coaching staff has no plans to give him reps in this game, signaling their focus on giving Milton valuable experience with the first-team offense.
A Familiar Face Across the Sideline
Adding intrigue to the matchup is the presence of Cooper Rush, who will lead the Ravens’ offense. Rush, a former Cowboys backup quarterback, is no stranger to AT&T Stadium. His familiarity with Dallas’ system and personnel could pose a unique challenge for the Cowboys’ defense, which will need to contain the veteran signal-caller to keep the game in check. Rush’s ability to manage the game and make smart decisions under pressure will test the Cowboys’ young secondary and defensive front.
What’s at Stake for Dallas?
The Cowboys’ decision to start Milton over Grier is a bold statement about their priorities in the preseason. With the regular season looming, the team is clearly invested in assessing whether Milton can develop into a reliable option behind starter Dak Prescott. This game against Baltimore offers Milton a critical opportunity to demonstrate growth, particularly in his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid the costly mistakes that plagued his debut.
For the Cowboys, this game is about more than just evaluating Milton. Facing a Ravens team led by Rush, Dallas will look to fine-tune their defensive schemes and build chemistry among their starters. The matchup also provides a chance to assess the team’s depth as they prepare for the grind of the regular season.
Key Storylines to Watch
As the Cowboys and Ravens square off, several storylines will take center stage:
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Milton’s Response to Adversity: Can Milton shake off his inconsistent debut and show poise against a tough Ravens defense?
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Rush’s Homecoming: How will Cooper Rush perform against his former team, and can he exploit his knowledge of the Cowboys’ playbook?
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Defensive Adjustments: After a shaky performance against the Rams, how will the Cowboys’ defense respond to Baltimore’s offensive attack?
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys’ bold choice to stick with Joe Milton III as their starting quarterback in Week 2 of the preseason signals their willingness to take risks in pursuit of developing young talent. Facing a Ravens team led by Cooper Rush, Dallas has a chance to test their mettle against a savvy veteran while giving Milton the reps he needs to grow. As kickoff approaches at AT&T Stadium, all eyes will be on Milton to see if he can deliver on his promise to “settle down” and take a step forward in his development.