That was a big preseason win for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s true, the score doesn’t matter as much in August (which is why I listed my Cowboys winners and losers right after the game ended). But there are still several big-picture takeaways that emerged from their victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night. Let’s dive in. 

Caleb Downs is ready for Week 1

The Cowboys sat their first-round rookie safety after he played just seven snaps in the preseason opener. In Week 2, he didn’t even suit up. That decision sends a loud message. Dallas has seen enough from Downs, who the coaching staff consistently praises for his football IQ. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has said multiple times that Downs does not make the same mistake twice.

Expect Downs to start in Week 1 (and play a lot), whether at nickel or moving around at safety. The Cowboys are comfortable sitting him, and he probably won’t play in the preseason finale either. That’s the kind of confidence a team shows in a rookie only when the evaluation is already complete.

Joe Milton is the backup quarterback

This was the biggest takeaway from Saturday’s game, and it wasn’t close. Milton went 9-for-13 for 179 yards and 2 touchdown passes against Arizona, but the numbers only tell part of the story.

Milton looked like a totally different quarterback than he did in 2025. He didn’t bail on his pass protection, stood firm in the pocket, and took off only when he absolutely needed to. That second touchdown pass was a perfect example: he evaded pressure, moved to his left, kept his eyes upfield, and found running back Malik Davis for the score. He also showed off the big arm that Dallas already knew about with a 53-yard touchdown bomb to wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.

Sam Howell, meanwhile, threw a red zone interception. That’s not what you want to see given the circumstances of this competition.

Milton is clearly on track to be the Cowboys’ No. 2 quarterback behind Dak Prescott. Based on how the Cowboys have handled these situations in the past, I wouldn’t be surprised if Milton doesn’t play in the preseason finale next Friday night because the team has already made its decision.

The Cowboys may carry 6 wide receivers

This is a significant takeaway because it has significant roster implications. Wide receivers Camden Brown and Mingo entered this game fighting for the fifth spot at the position, and both showed out.

Brown led the team with 2 catches for 77 yards, including a 70-yard gain. Mingo was right behind him with 2 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Both also contributed on special teams: Mingo continues to be a part of the punt return unit, and Brown showed up on the stat sheet with a tackle on special teams coverage.

Schottenheimer already named both players among 10 who exceeded his expectations at training camp in Oxnard, California. I don’t see how the Cowboys risk losing Brown to waivers, but I also don’t see them passing on Mingo, who can do a little bit of everything without necessarily shining in one area. He’s more game-day ready for regular season action.

If Dallas keeps six wide receivers, that means going short elsewhere. After Saturday night, that shortage might come at running back. Davis looks like the clear-cut No. 2, Jayden Blue had a good game, and Phil Mafah had just one carry. The Cowboys might trim that position group to make room.

Sneaky move to come for Michael Trigg?

Undrafted rookie tight end Michael Trigg was ruled out with a toe injury before the game, and that opens the door for speculation about whether the Cowboys plan to stash him on Injured Reserve. 

NFL teams are known for keeping players off waivers this way when they believe in the talent but don’t think the player is ready yet. Trigg’s roster chances took a hit by not playing against Arizona. We’ll see how the Cowboys handle the situation later this month.

Two defensive contributors shine

Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. grabbed an interception that, on its own, wasn’t spectacular. Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko fell down, and Revel kept his eyes on the quarterback to make the pick. What was impressive is that it happened right after Revel was called for an illegal contact penalty. He shook it off and responded with a big play. That’s the kind of composure you want from a young defensive back.

Then there’s rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham. This guy looks like an absolute draft steal. He made multiple plays at the line of scrimmage, recording at least two run stops. On one play, Barham attacked a block with violence, beat his offensive tackle, and made a tackle for a loss in the backfield. On another, he slipped past a block thanks in part to the defensive tackle’s slant and made the play. He added a tackle in coverage and a pressure as a pass rusher. He was wearing the green dot, too.

Barham looked like a player who is comfortable on that football field and is going to be a big part of defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s defense. As a third-round rookie, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s starting at some point this season. We’ve seen enough. Bubble wrap him up and wait for the regular season.