Cowboys vs Falcons Preseason Recap

Football Nation
Aug 22
3 min read

Joe Milton Leads Cowboys to 31-13 Preseason Win Over Falcons

Arlington, TX – The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their preseason on a high note Friday night, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 at AT&T Stadium. Backup quarterback Joe Milton stole the spotlight, bouncing back from sluggish starts in earlier exhibition games to account for two touchdowns.

Milton Shows Improvement

Milton, acquired in a trade with New England, entered the game with questions surrounding his role as Dak Prescott’s backup after Cooper Rush departed in free agency. Against Atlanta, he made his strongest case yet.

Passing: 10-of-18 for 132 yards, 1 touchdown
Rushing: 4 carries for 33 yards and 1 touchdown

Milton directed touchdowns on the Cowboys’ first two drives. He scored himself on a 1-yard quarterback keeper, then handed scoring duties to rookie running back Jaydon Blue, who punched in a short touchdown in his preseason debut.

In the third quarter, Milton converted a fourth-and-1 with an 18-yard run before delivering a 29-yard strike to Jalen Brooks for a 24-10 Dallas lead. His night ended shortly after, with Will Grier taking over in the second half.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Milton’s progress, noting:

“He got off to a good start. He was having fun. He used his legs. Beautiful throw to Brooks on the go ball. He looked a lot more comfortable and settled tonight.”

Rookie Debut for Jaydon Blue

Running back Jaydon Blue, who missed two weeks of camp with ankle and heel issues, made his preseason debut. He rushed for 25 yards and scored a 1-yard touchdown early but exited in the second half with another ankle injury.

Dallas also got contributions from fellow rookie Phil Mafah, who notched a touchdown, and Deuce Vaughn, who led the team with 42 rushing yards. The Cowboys finished with 122 rushing yards total.

Falcons’ Offensive Struggles

Atlanta did not play either Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins, instead starting Easton Stick. Stick threw 20-of-28 for 198 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. His lone score came on a 23-yard pass to tight end Feleipe Franks, who broke free on blown coverage.

The Falcons outgained Dallas 332–285 and held the ball longer (33:28 to 26:32), but they managed only one touchdown on the night.

Kicker Younghoe Koo was reliable after an early 51-yard miss, converting from 38 and 28 yards.

Newly signed quarterback Ben DiNucci, facing his former team, had a rough debut, throwing an interception on his very first pass.

Brandon Aubrey Stays Hot

Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a 64-yard field goal to end the first half, extending Dallas’ lead to 17-10. Aubrey already owns a career-long 65-yarder from 2024, just a yard shy of Justin Tucker’s NFL record (66 yards).

Parsons Situation Lingers

On the sidelines, star pass rusher Micah Parsons was in attendance but did not practice or suit up. Amid an ongoing contract standoff, Parsons — who requested a trade earlier this month — spent most of the night in a hoodie, at one point lying on a training table with his eyes closed.

Parsons is set to play under the fifth year of his rookie deal, worth $24 million, but is holding out for a long-term extension.

Defensive Highlights and Special Teams

Josh Woods made a statement for Atlanta with a crushing hit on Jalen Cropper during a punt return.
In the fourth quarter, rookie linebacker Shemar James helped Dallas keep momentum by intercepting a pass, setting up Phil Mafah’s touchdown run.
Atlanta’s Elijah Dotson provided a spark with a 41-yard run late but was stopped on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line in the final minute. He finished with 74 yards on 12 carries.

Final Thoughts

Though preseason stats can be misleading, Milton’s bounce-back performance and Aubrey’s deep kicking range were bright spots for Dallas. The Cowboys’ defense also delivered timely stops, including a dramatic last-minute goal-line stand.

Category	Dallas Cowboys	Atlanta Falcons
Final Score	31	13
Passing Leader	Joe Milton: 10/18, 132 yds, 1 TD	Easton Stick: 20/28, 198 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Leader	Deuce Vaughn: 42 yds	Elijah Dotson: 74 yds, 12 carries
Total Rushing Yards	122	-
Top Receiver	Jalen Brooks: 1 TD	Feleipe Franks: 1 TD
Field Goals	Brandon Aubrey: 64 yds	Younghoe Koo: 38 yds, 28 yds, missed 51 yds
Defensive INTs	Robert Rochell, Shemar James
Fumbles Lost	0	0
Time of Possession	26:32	33:28
Total Yards	285	332

What’s Next

Dallas Cowboys: Visit defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL opener on Sept. 4.
Atlanta Falcons: Host defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7.