Joe Milton’s his own biggest critic, but loss to Rams should serve as learning opportunity

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Walkthroughs for football teams are like dress rehearsals. They’re slower reenactments of how things are supposed to look like when the lights come on and the crowds are there. Earlier this week, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted how fast quarterback Joe Milton was throwing passes in recent walkthroughs.

Well, you practice like you play, right?

After Saturday’s 31-21 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Schottenheimer was once again noting Milton’s fastball. His arm is a gift — one that eclipses even the big arm of Brett Favre, Schottenheimer said. But utilizing it correctly remains a skill that Milton is still developing.

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Milton finished 17-of-29 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Rams. There were good moments, including his touchdown pass to tight end Rivaldo Fairweather in the corner, but there were also inconsistencies.

Milton acknowledged those.

“I feel like if I was grading myself it would definitely be a D,” Milton said. “Probably a D-minus, if I’m being hard on myself. I feel like … the guys around me did a great job, especially from the o-line standpoint. They were blocking their butt off. And then the receivers and tight ends, they were doing their assignments at a high level. I’ve just got to settle down early and make all those throws.”

Schottenheimer said after the game that he’s still learning, from a play-calling standpoint, how to best utilize Milton’s playstyle. They’re trying to get on the same page. When it came to reviewing Milton’s performance, they’re already in sync.

Both Schottenheimer and Milton said that Milton started the game in a way that could’ve been better. Schottenheimer pointed to Milton’s fastball in early situations. Milton said that he probably started with too much energy, which was understandable, considering this was only his second start since he left college in 2023.

The Cowboys called six-straight pass plays to open the game. Milton completed two of those passes for one yard. He had one pass hit off the helmet of a Rams defender. Another, he forced into double coverage on third down, nearly resulting in an interception.

“I was very excited [and] I think that’s what got me off my tracks,” Milton said. “But I feel like if I was able to go out there again right now, I could settle down faster and make those throws for sure.”

Later on, Milton had another learning opportunity. He scrambled to his left and had the chance for a checkdown. Instead, he went “big game hunting,” as Schottenheimer described it earlier in camp, and unleashed a big throw toward the endzone. Ryan Flournoy had a chance at it. Instead, it was intercepted by Mesquite Poteet alum Cam Lampkin.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) throws a first half pass against the Los Angeles...

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) throws a first half pass against the Los Angeles Rams in a NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, California, August 9, 2025.

Tom Fox / Staff Photographer

“He’s trusting Flo in that situation to make a play, but I think that’s one of the things when Joe watches he’ll go, ‘Yeah, I probably should’ve taken the check down,’” Schottenheimer said.

How Milton responds will be telling. When he responds will be intriguing, too. He left Saturday’s game after he was hit in the elbow during a throw. Schottenheimer said initial tests indicated Milton would be OK. Milton said the same, adding that he’ll be fine.

Milton said the competitor in him probably won’t allow him to move on from the performance quickly. He’s hoping a film review and a chance to return to the field soon will do that.

The good news: the Cowboys have him under contract for the next three seasons, and they intend to get the most out of Milton they can during that period — ups, downs and all.

“That’s why he needs to play,” Schottenheimer said. “I do think he settled down. I think he found some rhythm late. He started using his legs a little better. Terrific talent. Every rep he gets is going to help him become a great pro.”

Twitter: @JoeJHoyt

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