Cowboys' QB2 competition may have a new leader following strong performance vs. Seahawks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dak Prescott remains the Dallas Cowboys’ undisputed starting quarterback, while Sam Howell and Joe Milton continue battling for the backup role behind him. Both quarterbacks delivered solid performances in Saturday's preseason game without committing any costly mistakes, which was arguably the biggest takeaway from their outings.
Together, Howell and Milton completed 20 of their 27 pass attempts for 201 yards and two touchdowns. However, veteran analyst Skip Bayless believes Howell has the inside track to secure the QB2 spot.
“I'll take Sam Howell slightly over Joe Milton as Cowboys backup QB. Milton is bigger, faster w/ a stronger arm. But Howell has played far more NFL football - 18 starts - so I'd trust him a little more if he had to play 3-4 games. Howell looked pretty good in tonight's 1st half,” Bayless wrote.
Howell completed 8 of his 12 passes for 94 yards, including a touchdown connection with wide receiver Camden Brown.
Former North Carolina head coach Mack Brown also praised Howell after his performance.
“So proud of Sam Howell as he leads the Cowboys to a TD @ Seattle. Great UNC QB but much better person. Love ❤️ you Sam!” Brown wrote.
Howell was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and became the team’s starter during his second season, making 17 starts. The Commanders finished with a disappointing 4-13 record, but Howell showed flashes of promise throughout the campaign.
Since leaving the Commanders, Howell has bounced around the league, spending time with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles. Now with Dallas, Howell seems to fit well within the Cowboys’ offensive system.
Howell owns a career completion rate of 62.6%, along with 4,139 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes.
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