Why Joe Milton Replaced Dak Prescott in Cowboys’ Blowout Loss to Broncos

Dak Prescott was pulled from Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. The Dallas Cowboys’ starting quarterback was not injured. Head coach Mike McCarthy made a stunning decision to bench his star player during the 44-24 loss.

This move gave rookie backup Joe Milton his first significant regular-season action. The game was effectively out of reach for Dallas. McCarthy chose to protect Prescott and evaluate his young quarterback.

Joe Milton’s Promising Debut Drive

Joe Milton did not waste his opportunity. He entered the game in the fourth quarter. On his very first drive, he launched a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert.

The play showcased Milton’s powerful arm. It was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal day for the Cowboys. According to Associated Press coverage, the touchdown cut the deficit but the outcome was never in doubt.

Prescott had a difficult afternoon before his exit. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 188 yards. He threw two interceptions and failed to record a touchdown.

No Quarterback Controversy in Dallas

The decision to pull Prescott was purely strategic. There is no quarterback controversy brewing in Dallas. Prescott remains the undisputed starter for the franchise.

McCarthy’s move was about managing a blowout loss. With the game slipping away, preserving his veteran quarterback was the priority. This is a common practice across the NFL when a contest is decided.

Prescott had received MVP-level praise just days before this game. Analyst Greg Ross had called him the league’s most valuable player entering Week 8. One poor performance does not change his status.

The Cowboys’ loss to the Broncos was a team failure, not just a quarterback issue. The decision to bench Dak Prescott was a pragmatic move by a coach looking ahead to future games. Dallas will now regroup with Prescott firmly at the helm.

Thought you’d like to know

Was Dak Prescott injured against the Broncos?

No, Dak Prescott was not injured. Coach Mike McCarthy pulled him from the game because the Cowboys were losing by a large margin. It was a strategic decision to protect the starting quarterback.

How did Joe Milton perform in relief?

Joe Milton performed well in his limited action. He led a scoring drive that ended with a 35-yard touchdown pass. The play demonstrated his strong throwing ability.

Is there a quarterback competition in Dallas now?

There is no quarterback competition in Dallas. The team has confirmed Prescott remains their unquestioned starter. Milton’s appearance was about gaining experience in a lost game.

What was the final score of the Cowboys vs. Broncos game?

The Denver Broncos defeated the Dallas Cowboys 44-24. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes in the victory. The loss dropped Dallas’s record for the season.

Why would a team bench their starting quarterback?

Teams often bench starters when a game is out of reach. This prevents unnecessary injury to key players. It also provides valuable game experience for backups.