One of the more interesting storylines to watch at Dallas Cowboys training camp was the battle of the backup quarterbacks. Joe Milton has held that mantle for the past year, but the Cowboys signed Sam Howell this offseason, a clear sign that they either wanted to light a fire under Joe or that they view Howell as a potentially better option if he is needed to step in for Dak Prescott. Both Milton and Howell have had their moments in Oxnard and in the joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams, but neither has managed to pull away from the other. That in itself is a little concerning. READ MORE:
Quinnen Williams Cap Relief Revealed; Cowboys Going Trade Shopping? After all, Howell was on the practice squad last season, no other team wanted him, and Milton can't pull ahead in the race for the backup job. But what has Brian Schottenheimer seen of the contest in Oxnard? "I think it's been a very highly competitive contest," Schottenheimer said. "I think Joe's talent and ability to throw the football and athleticism jumps off the practice field when you see it. "I think Sam's doing a great job of moving the team. But at the end of the day, the preseason, that's where the bulk of the evaluation will be. But I would say it's a very good back-and-forth." READ MORE:
Cowboys Release Depth Chart; Top 10 Revelations Ahead Of Preseason Game 1 So, all eyes will be on the three preseason games to see who can "win" the backup role behind Dak. Last offseason, Milton didn't really get rolling until the final preseason game, and with Howell also needing reps, he will have to make them count, starting in Seattle. There can be no start like he had last offseason against the Rams, because Howell, while he hasn't exactly impressed, can be more even-keeled in his performance than Joe. Given that neither has been able to pull away, it's telling. Based on what we've heard and seen from those in Oxnard, the pair have had their good moments, but also moments that have left a lot to be desired. So, the true measuring stick will be the 12 quarters of football we'll see over the next couple of weeks. Who plays better will likely win the backup role, and right now, in what isn't exactly the best situation, we have no idea who that could be.