ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have one final preseason test before the focus shifts to the regular season.
Dallas enters Friday night’s matchup with the New Orleans Saints at 2-0, while New Orleans is still looking for its first victory of the preseason. The Cowboys have already produced several encouraging performances, but the finale provides one last opportunity for players competing for roster spots to strengthen their cases.
For Dallas, much of the attention will remain on quarterback Joe Milton III, who has emerged as one of the more intriguing stories of the preseason.
Milton has thrown three touchdown passes through two preseason games, putting him among the league leaders. He also owns the NFL’s highest passer rating among quarterbacks with at least 15 preseason attempts, according to the Cowboys’ statistical notes.
His performance has added another layer to the competition behind Dak Prescott. Sam Howell remains in the mix, but Milton’s production has given the Cowboys another option to evaluate as the coaching staff works through its final roster decisions.
The preseason finale gives Milton another chance to demonstrate his progress and make his case for a role when the regular season begins.
Brown Making His Case
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Camden Brown is another player generating attention heading into the finale.
Brown enters the game with 139 receiving yards, ranking second in the NFL during the preseason. Only Arizona’s Jalen Brooks, with 165 yards, has more.
Brown’s production has put him in position to become part of a crowded receiver competition in Dallas. His big-play ability has stood out, giving the rookie another opportunity to make an impression against New Orleans.
If Brown finishes the preseason with another productive performance, the Cowboys will have an important decision to make when determining the final receiver group.
Cowboys Chasing Preseason History
Friday’s game also gives Dallas a chance to accomplish something the franchise has not done in more than four decades.
The Cowboys are 2-0 in the preseason for the first time since 2007. A victory over New Orleans would give Dallas its first unbeaten preseason since 1985, when the NFL played four preseason games.
The last time the Cowboys won three preseason games was 2002.
Dallas also holds a 4-3 advantage over New Orleans in the preseason series. The teams last met in an exhibition game in 2006, when the Cowboys defeated the Saints 30-7 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Cowboys lead the regular-season series 18-14, although New Orleans won the most recent meeting, 44-19, at Dallas on Sept. 15, 2024.
While an undefeated preseason would provide a positive finish to August, the more important objective for Dallas is evaluating players before the roster is finalized.
With the regular season approaching, Friday represents the final opportunity for Milton, Brown and others fighting for jobs to make their strongest impression.
The Cowboys have one more game to evaluate their young talent, settle roster battles and potentially close the preseason with a perfect record.
