Although the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 31-21, it wasn\u2019t as close as the score indicated. For much of the game, the Cowboys struggled to gain any traction offensively, largely due to costly penalties that set the offense back, and the defense allowing the Rams to get off to a fast start.<\/p>\n
You also can\u2019t ignore that the much-anticipated Cowboys\u2019 debut of Joe Milton, which was expected to have continuous fireworks throughout the night, had a little more than a fizzle and a sparkle. It\u2019s not to diminish Milton and what he could be, but it seems like his performance has warranted some tempered expectations. Here\u2019s why Dallas needs to take a step-by-step approach with Milton.<\/p>\n
As a collegiate prospect, Milton was one of the biggest question marks in the draft class, yet Milton\u2019s arm talent was arguably the best in the SEC conference, and perhaps in the entire nation. However, when you examine his senior season, certain things stand out and explain why he fell to the fifth round. For starters, in his senior season, Milton was held to under a 60% completion percentage four times out of his 12 starts. Also, for someone who has the potential to push the ball down the field so effortlessly, 7.9 yards per attempt seems pedestrian for a player of his physical prowess. Perhaps more peculiar is that Milton only had one 300+ yard passing game in 2023. As they say, the \u201cmath isn\u2019t mathing.\u201d Granted, that was his only year as a full-time starter, but that\u2019s also why Milton has such a steep learning curve in his second NFL season.<\/p>\n
Fair or unfair, Milton\u2019s performance also raises the question of why the New England Patriots were so eager to part with Milton so soon. Drake Maye is their future, but that doesn\u2019t mean it hurts to have Milton around as a developmental backup on the roster. For the Patriots to move on from Milton after one season suggests that they\u2019re not losing sleep over having to replace him because Milton is still a very raw prospect.<\/p>\n
That said, it\u2019s also fascinating why Cowboys fans are so optimistic about Milton and anxious to see him on for as much as possible during the preseason. One theory is similar to the seven-year itch in marriages to characterize a decline in happiness around the seven-year mark and the longing for something else or someone new. That ideal also pertains to the relationship between a fanbase and its quarterback. Dak Prescott has been the team\u2019s starting quarterback since 2016, and it\u2019s hard to satiate a fanbase that at best can be rabid, and at worst apathetic, without the success of winning a championship despite having the same starting quarterback for so long. No NFC championship appearances, the only NFC team that hasn\u2019t done so since 1995, by the way, has fans eager for the next chapter. Milton also exhibits the premier traits that are needed to win at the highest level: arm talent and mobility.<\/p>\n
Also, Dak Prescott has been hurt, and an insurance policy behind him is necessary. Cooper Rush was sufficient, but his talent alone wasn\u2019t enough to make a difference outside of near-perfect complementary team football. At least with Milton, you know he has the traits to give the team a shot to win because of the weapons the Cowboys have in the passing game and Milton\u2019s ability to extend plays. Furthermore, you can\u2019t ignore that fans are conditioned to seeing history repeating itself. Prescott took the reins by stepping in for an oft-injured Tony Romo; therefore, the concept of Milton having a similar opportunity doesn\u2019t seem as far-fetched.<\/p>\n
Still, we all need to slow our roll as we saw on Saturday. Milton has a long way to go as far as his development. He takes time to read the field longer than you would like. Also, while he does have the talent to extend plays, it\u2019s also derived from holding the ball too long and then having to break the pocket, looking to improvise. He still needs to improve with his ball placement on a more consistent level. The chemistry he had with some of his wide receivers at training camp didn\u2019t translate as some would have hoped. Several times, you could see that Milton and his receivers were not on the same page, and as a result, Milton was frustrated.<\/p>\n
For a team with high hopes and several key players with a lot to play for financially, you have to field a team with the best chance of winning, even if that means adding another quarterback with more playing experience and affording Milton more time to sit and learn during the season. The backup job shouldn\u2019t be outright handed to Milton at this point. He did have physical discomfort leaving the game and was tended to by the medical staff, who examined his elbow and shoulder. Milton said that he\u2019s fine and it\u2019s merely a bruised elbow.<\/p>\n
However, even with a clean bill of health, the Cowboys shouldn\u2019t settle on Milton as their number two quarterback unless they are absolutely convinced he can win them games if Prescott were to miss significant time again. During final cuts, if a more veteran backup becomes available, Dallas shouldn\u2019t turn its nose up at the opportunity. Milton is still under contract for the next three seasons, and by next year, he could be substantially better with more time to learn and study behind Prescott and a more experienced quarterback. It\u2019s still okay to really be enamored by Milton\u2019s talent and potential, but the bandwagon needs to pump the brakes, just a little.<\/p>\n