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Blogging The Boys fantasy football takes on Sam Howell
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Blogging The Boys about Sam Howell.
28
Insights
6
Positive
6
Negative
Insight ledger
All Blogging The Boys insights about Sam Howell
NegativeProjectionAug 23, 2026
Howell did not have the same success in the second half compared to Milton's strong first-half performance, and threw an interception in the end zone that led to a Cardinals possession.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
The source identifies Howell as a Stock Down player, noting 'If it was Joe Milton's night then it was also not Sam Howell's.' The source explains context: Milton's strong first-half performance left a high bar, and the Cowboys' large lead reduced passing volume in the second half, limiting Howell's opportunity. However, the source emphasizes Howell's critical mistake: 'he had a chance. The Cowboys drove down and were well within striking distance when it seemed like Howell was trying to force something... throwing an interception when points are within reach is never a good thing, but especially after your direct competition put together such a clean game.' The source concludes 'Howell is still a valuable member of this team, but he may now officially be QB3 on the depth chart,' indicating a depth chart demotion.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
The Cowboys signed free agent Sam Howell to compete with Joe Milton III for the backup quarterback role during training camp. JJ Zachariason frames this as the team hedging its bets after Milton's disappointing 2025 performance, allowing Dallas to choose "between the lesser of two evils after a good old training camp battle." Howell came with his own baggage but provided insurance against Milton's continued struggles.NegativeProjectionAug 23, 2026
Sam Howell got the starting call in the fourth quarter after Joe Milton's strong performance, but threw a pretty inexcusable interception when the Cowboys were within striking distance, making the QB2 conversation obvious in comparison to Milton's efficient outing.PositiveProjectionAug 22, 2026
Howell started the Cowboys' first preseason game and looked comfortable in the pocket, making good decisions with the football; his performance over the next two contests could decide how the team's backup QB room looks in September.NegativeDepth ChartAug 19, 2026
Sam Howell is competing with Joe Milton for a roster placement on the Cowboys' second unofficial preseason depth chart; this pair is competing for roster spots rather than a single critical position.NegativeRoleAug 17, 2026
Started previous preseason game over Joe Milton due to consistency; head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted the Cowboys chose to start Howell 'because they felt he had been a little more consistent' heading into the game, indicating QB2 status with recent starting experience.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Howell got the start in the preseason opener despite being penciled in as third quarterback behind Milton on the depth chart, signaling a competitive battle for the backup QB role. He demonstrated excellent composure in the pocket with decisive reads, posting a 118.1 QB rating with 1 TD and 0 INTs on 20 completions on 27 attempts for 201 yards combined with Milton. Howell was particularly effective on third downs, contributing to three conversions for 30 yards including a 10-yard scramble on third-and-7 that extended a drive leading to a touchdown. His throws were characterized by quick decisions and on-target placement to receivers like Jonathan Mingo and Michael Trigg, showing poise despite offensive line penalties.NegativeProjectionAug 17, 2026
Backup quarterback rarely looked comfortable in the pocket during preseason Week 1, as pressure came up the middle at times and off the edge far too often. The second-string offensive line's poor performance limited his ability to operate effectively, though his athleticism allowed him to escape defenders and make plays on the move.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Starting quarterback delivered a solid, efficient preseason performance; played short-game dump-offs with nice slant passes to Jonathan Mingo, made quick decisions, was never sacked, and threw no mistakes. His only big throw was a 39-yard touchdown pass to Camden Brown. The source characterizes his approach as efficient rather than flashy, emphasizing decision-making and ball security.NegativeRoleAug 16, 2026
Started at quarterback for Dallas in preseason opener; threw 39-yard touchdown pass to Camden Brown in second quarter but had a third-down miscommunication with Anthony Smith that led to a field goal attempt instead of a touchdown drive.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Backup quarterback in direct competition with Joe Milton III for backup role behind Dak Prescott; preseason performance will be critical as smart, quick decisions and accurate ball delivery are paramount in determining who earns the backup spot with final roster cuts looming.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Competing for the QB2 position in preseason action against Seattle; the source notes a battle between Howell and Joe Milton III for the backup quarterback role.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Backup quarterback in an unsettled competition with Joe Milton; the depth chart designation reads 'Joe Milton OR Sam Howell,' indicating no clear leader between the two; Howell has struggled to protect the football in camp alongside Milton; the preseason opener should provide clarity on the backup role.NegativeRoleAug 13, 2026
Howell is in open competition for the backup quarterback job with Joe Milton but hasn't flashed as much and has taken a backseat to Milton. Milton has had trouble with accuracy but has made some good throws and used his athleticism to extend plays and make big-time throws outside the framework of the offense. Despite Howell's more regular season experience, he is currently on the outside looking in. Dallas is unlikely to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster, making it hard to imagine Howell making the 53-man roster, though he could potentially remain on the practice squad.NegativeDepth ChartAug 12, 2026
Sam Howell, the new free agent addition, is in an open backup QB competition with Joe Milton III; the team's use of 'or' on the depth chart indicates the battle is far from settled.NegativeRoleAug 10, 2026
Howell has had moments throughout training camp but hasn't proven to be a clear upgrade over last year's backup Joe Milton. Both are competing to be the QB2 this season, but Milton is currently running with the second team. Howell could change that with a strong showing in preseason.NegativeProjectionAug 2, 2026
Through three practices, Howell went 12-21 for a 57% completion rate. The source notes this statistic probably says more about the quality of the backup QBs than the quality of the defense, given the scripted nature of camp practices. Howell threw a TD pass to Camden Brown on a back-pylon fade on Saturday.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Sam Howell is the overwhelming favorite to be the Cowboys' QB2 backup for 2026, winning a fan poll 80% to 20% over Joe Milton III. The source attributes this preference to Howell's prior starting experience—he has a full season of starting under his belt—which carries significant weight in the backup quarterback battle. This is particularly relevant given Dak Prescott's injury history; the source notes that Prescott misses games every other year and 2026 is an injury year in his cycle, meaning the backup may have to play at least a few games.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Quarterback Sam Howell was observed during Cowboys training camp practice, participating in team drills and offensive activity.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Competing in the backup quarterback battle with Joe Milton; brings starting experience and has proven he can win games in the league. With Dak Prescott's every-other-year injury history, the winner of this competition may be forced to play meaningful snaps during the regular season.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Howell is competing for the Cowboys QB2 backup role. The Cowboys brought him in during the offseason to create competition at the position, signaling they wanted to challenge their incumbent. Howell has NFL starting experience from one season, which is a positive, but his turnover problems were a key reason he did not start after that initial season.NegativeDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Competing with Joe Milton for a backup quarterback roster spot on the Cowboys; Howell brings experience while Milton offers athletic upside; preseason games could determine the outcome of this roster battle.NegativeRoleJul 24, 2026
Shares a roster spot with Joe Milton III; one of them will end up being the backup behind Dak Prescott, with the other likely cut or moved.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
Locked into an intense backup quarterback battle, the former starter aims to use camp to outperform his younger counterpart and officially claim the undisputed second-string job.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
Howell was brought in to compete with raw but talented Joe Milton for the backup quarterback role; he has a full season's worth of starting experience that could be enough to win the backup battle.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
Sam Howell is a key training camp focus for the Cowboys' QB2 competition because he brings legitimate NFL starting experience—an entire 2023 season as Washington's starter—which gives him a significant advantage over Joe Milton; the source notes the front office and coaching staff specifically brought him in for this reason, and he fits the archetype of a proper backup caretaker who has faced the fire of NFL play.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
Backup quarterback brought in to give Joe Milton real competition for the backup job; since 2020, Dak Prescott has missed five or more games every other season, making the backup QB battle critical; the source wants to see more of Howell and Milton to build confidence they can at least keep the season afloat if Prescott gets injured.