Brian Schottenheimer’s Comments on Joe Milton: Cowboys Fans May Not Like What They Hear

The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move this offseason, spending significant draft capital to revamp their quarterback room. One of the key acquisitions was Joe Milton, the cannon-armed former backup quarterback from the New England Patriots. Milton, known for his powerful arm and potential, was seen as a promising backup to Dak Prescott. However, recent comments from Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have left some fans feeling uneasy about the future of the quarterback position.

Despite the hype surrounding Milton’s acquisition, Schottenheimer has been careful not to hand him the QB2 spot just yet. Instead, he has kept the competition alive between Milton and veteran Will Grier, who has had a journeyman career bouncing between teams since 2019 without ever throwing a professional touchdown pass. The fact that Schottenheimer has not been quick to elevate Milton to the backup quarterback role speaks volumes, especially given Milton’s physical attributes.

In a recent press conference, Schottenheimer stirred up some controversy when he said, “We don’t have to decide that today. I need to get to learn him as the play-caller… I’m not going to say who the backup running back is right now, who the backup quarterback is right now, because I don’t have to make those decisions yet… Our plan all along has been that we need to find out about Joe Milton.”

For many Cowboys fans, these comments may feel like a slight to Milton, who is expected to be the future of the backup quarterback position, especially given the considerable investment Dallas made in him. Schottenheimer’s words suggest that he’s not convinced Milton has earned that spot yet, and the decision may still be up in the air.

Milton’s potential has been undeniable, especially when considering his arm strength. His cannon-like arm has been a highlight throughout his career, but that physical talent has not always translated to success on the field. During his college days at both Michigan and Tennessee, Milton showed flashes of brilliance but never quite reached the stardom that many predicted. His accuracy was often inconsistent, and his ability to quickly release the ball was sometimes called into question.

While Milton had a memorable moment in the NFL when he saw extended action with the Patriots, leading them to a win over the Buffalo Bills, it’s important to note that the Bills were resting many of their key players for the postseason, making that performance less impressive in hindsight. While the win itself was significant, it didn’t give a true representation of Milton’s ability under normal circumstances.

Schottenheimer’s comments also suggest that the coaching staff still has serious questions about Milton’s development. The need to “learn him as the play-caller” implies that they are still figuring out how he fits into the offense and how he can manage the quarterback position effectively. For a player with Milton’s physical tools, this kind of indecision is concerning. After all, a quarterback with a strong arm like his should be further along in his development, and it’s worrying that he hasn’t been able to separate himself from a player like Grier, who is far less talented on paper.

In Milton’s preseason debut, there were moments of brilliance, but also significant issues with his accuracy. His highlight-reel throws were balanced out by poor misses, reminding many of former quarterback Trey Lance’s early struggles. While it’s still early in Milton’s career, these inconsistencies raise concerns about his readiness to step into a backup role in the NFL.

Cowboys fans are likely hoping that Milton’s performance in the upcoming preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will offer more clarity. Baltimore will provide a better test of Milton’s abilities, as they are known for their strong defense and will challenge the young quarterback in ways the Bills’ weakened roster did not. If Milton can’t rise to the occasion against the Ravens, it will only further cast doubt on his potential to be Dak Prescott’s backup, leaving the Cowboys’ quarterback situation murky going into the season.

The fact that Schottenheimer has yet to commit to Milton as the backup, despite his obvious physical talent, is a bit of a red flag. If Milton cannot beat out Grier for the role, it will be concerning not only for his future but also for the Cowboys’ depth at the quarterback position. The team has high hopes for him, but the jury is still out on whether Milton can harness his potential and deliver consistently at the NFL level.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Milton, as he tries to prove he’s worthy of the backup role. With the Baltimore game looming, the pressure is on. Schottenheimer’s comments have certainly given Cowboys fans something to think about, and whether Milton can rise to the occasion will determine if he has a place in Dallas’ quarterback room or if the Cowboys need to look elsewhere for their QB2. One thing is certain—the battle for the backup quarterback position in Dallas is far from over.