Main takeaways from Cowboys 34-13 win vs Cardinals

The Dallas Cowboys continued their strong start to the preseason Saturday night, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 and improving to 2-0.

While preseason wins ultimately mean little once the regular season begins, Dallas continues to receive encouraging performances from players competing for significant roles. The Cowboys jumped out to a 24-6 halftime advantage and never allowed Arizona to seriously threaten their lead.

From Joe MIlton III making a major statement in the backup quarterback competition to several young defenders flashing their potential, here are three main takeaways from Cowboys’ second preseason victory.

1. Joe Milton may have taken control of the QB2 competition

The biggest storyline entering Saturday’s game was the competition between Joe Milton III and Sam Howell for the backup quarterback job behind Dak Prescott.

Milton might have provided an answer.

After Howell started the preseason opener, Milton received his opportunity against Arizona and delivered his best performance of the summer. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.

Milton’s arm talent was on full display. He connected with Jonathan Mingo for a 53-yards touchdown and later found Camden Brown for a 70-yards completion while throwing across his body on the move. That play set up Milton’s rushing touchdown and helped Dallas take complete control of the game.

Through two preseason games, Milton has completed 21 of 28 passes for 289 yards while having four touchdowns. Howell on the other hand, finished Saturday 7 of 10 for 65 yards, and threw an interception.

There is still time remaining before Dallas has to finalize its depth chart, but Milton has separated himself over the first two preseason games. If the Cowboys had to choose Prescott’s backup today, Milton has the clear advantage.

2. The Cowboys young defense continues to impress

Dallas’ defensive improvement under coordinator Christian Parker has been one of the most encouraging developments of the preseason.

Against Arizona, several young defenders continued making their case for larger roses.

Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham made his preseason debut and immediately showed why Dallas has been excited about his development. Barham was given the green-dot responsibilities, allowing him to communicate the defensive class, and finished with five tackles while making plays around the line of scrimmage.

Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. also continued his strong summer. Revel intercepted Gardner Minshew in the first quarter, giving Dallas possession inside Arizona territory and setting up the Cowboys’ first touchdown.

Rookie defensive tackle LT Overton added a sack on third down near the goal line, forcing Arizona to settle for a field goal.

The Cowboys struggled defensively throughout much of last season, but the early returns from Parker’s unit have been encouraging. Dallas has allowed just one touchdown through its first two preseason games.

3. Dallas has difficult roster decisions coming at WR and RB

The Cowboys wanted competition throughout training camp, and they certainly have it at wide receiver and running back.

Jonathan Mingo and Camden Brown both made significant plays Saturday. Mingo hauled in Milton’s 53-yard touchdown pass, while Brown turned his opportunity into a 70-yard gain. Their performances could force Dallas to seriously consider keeping six receivers on the initial 53-man roster.

The running back room isn’t getting any easier to sort out, either.

Jaydon Blue led Dallas with 75 rushing yards, while Malik Davis rushed for 29 yards on five attempts and caught an eight-yard touchdown. Phil Mafah later added a 15-yards on five touchdown run.

Preseason results won’t determine what Dallas becomes once the regular season starts, but the Cowboys are seeing exactly what they want from the bottom half of their roster: competition.

And after a convincing 34-13 victory, several players made the coaching staff’s upcoming decisions much more difficult.