The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their 2025 preseason Friday night with their most complete performance yet, defeating the Atlanta Falcons, 31-13, at AT&T Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Milton delivered his strongest outing since arriving in Dallas, settling questions about his potential to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup. Milton guided touchdown drives on the Cowboys’ first two possessions, finishing both series with one-yard runs, one of his own and another from rookie Jaydon Blue. Dallas led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter before Atlanta finally got on the board with a 38-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo midway through the second.
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Milton was not done, however. To open the second half, he converted a fourth-and-1 with an 18-yard designed run, then found Jalen Brooks two plays later for a 29-yard touchdown that extended the lead to 24-10. Milton finished 10 of 18 for 132 yards with 33 yards on the ground and two total touchdowns, taking no sacks, before Will Grier took over.
The Cowboys’ backfield competition took center stage. Blue, making his preseason debut after battling injuries, ran nine times for 25 yards and showed promising instincts in pass protection. His night ended early when he left with another ankle injury in the second half. He was, however, able to leave the field under his own power and was seen walking on the sideline and in the tunnels after the game.
Third-year back Deuce Vaughn provided a spark as well, carrying 10 times for 42 yards. Both showed patience in following blocks and the burst to slip through gaps, an encouraging sign for a run game in search of more consistency.
Dallas’ defense played its part, logging two sacks and two interceptions. James Houston and Perrion Winfrey each picked up a sack, while Robert Rochell grabbed a fourth-quarter interception off former Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci.
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Special teams had their own highlight when Brandon Aubrey drilled a 64-yard field goal to end the first half, adding to his growing reputation as one of the league’s most reliable long-range kickers.
Despite the lopsided score, the Cowboys still showed areas to improve. They controlled the ball longer than in their previous two preseason games, but still lost the overall time-of-possession battle to Atlanta. Dallas also converted just 4 of 11 third downs, though five first downs via Falcons penalties helped extend drives.
Even so, this was the clearest look yet at what first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been preaching: complementary football. Offense, defense, and special teams all contributed to a convincing finish to the preseason, giving Dallas momentum as they prepare for their Week 1 matchup with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Joe Milton, Jaydon Blue lead Cowboys to 31-13 preseason win over Falcons
