Milton and Rattler Duel in Preseason Finale as Cowboys Fall to Saints
Joe Milton completed 8 of 15 passes for 92 yards in the first half for Dallas, while Spencer Rattler went 8-for-10 for 79 yards and added a rushing touchdown for New Orleans. The Saints led 17-9 at halftime and held on for a win, with both starting quarterbacks replaced in the second half. Dallas opens the regular season against the Giants on Sept. 13, while the Saints travel to Detroit the same day.
Both teams used the preseason finale to evaluate backup quarterbacks, with Joe Milton and Spencer Rattler splitting time before giving way to Sam Howell and Zach Wilson in the second half. Milton’s night ended after two field-goal drives, while Rattler’s 8-yard touchdown run highlighted a Saints offense that had been shut out in its previous game. Dallas entered with a 2-0 preseason record, while New Orleans sought its first win after two losses. The Cowboys’ missed 57-yard field goal kept the halftime margin at eight points, and neither team’s starter returned after the break.
The game served as a final audition for roster spots ahead of cutdown day. Milton had thrown for 286 yards across Dallas’s first two preseason wins, while Rattler had 141 yards in a Week 2 loss. Howell and Wilson each got extended snaps in the second half, but neither factored into the scoring. Both teams now shift focus to regular-season openers on Sept. 13, with Dallas visiting the Giants and New Orleans traveling to Detroit.
This preseason finale offers a glimpse into quarterback depth for both franchises, which could matter if injuries strike during the regular season. Milton’s efficient showing may bolster confidence in Dallas’s backup plan, while Rattler’s dual-threat production could strengthen his case for a roster spot or trade value. Fans and analysts may read into these performances as indicators of team readiness, though preseason stats rarely predict regular-season success. The outcome itself carries little weight, but the evaluation of young quarterbacks could influence roster decisions and long-term development for both clubs.