Dallas Cowboys vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats: Key Performances
Dallas closed their preseason schedule with a 31-13 victory over Atlanta on Friday night, August 22, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in the Dallas Cowboys vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats report. Joe Milton III completed 10 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another score, answering questions about his backup credentials with Tuesday’s roster deadline approaching. Easton Stick finished 20 of 28 for 198 yards with a touchdown and interception for the Falcons. The Cowboys converted all three red zone trips into touchdowns while Atlanta went 0 for 3, settling for field goals twice before getting stuffed at the goal line as time expired.
Table of Contents
- Game Leaders
- Quarterback Breakdown
- Ground Game Statistics
- Receiving Statistics
Game Leaders
| Category | Falcons | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Passing | E. Stick: 20/28, 198 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT | J. Milton III: 10/18, 132 yds, 1 TD |
| Rushing | E. Dotson: 12 car, 74 yds | D. Vaughn: 10 car, 42 yds |
| Receiving | N. Nash: 6 rec, 87 yds | R. Flournoy: 4 rec, 45 yds |
| Tackles | R. Harrison Jr.: 7 (3 solo) | M. Smith Jr.: 8 (4 solo) |
| Sacks | S. Barrow Jr.: 1.0 | J. Houston: 1.0 |
Quarterback Breakdown
Atlanta Falcons
| Player | C/ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | SACKS | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easton Stick | 20/28 | 198 | 7.1 | 1 | 1 | 2-13 | 88.1 |
| Ben DiNucci | 0/2 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0-0 | 0.0 |
| Team Total: 20/30, 198 YDS, 6.6 AVG, 1 TD, 2 INT, 2-13 SACKS, 68.5 RTG | |||||||
Dallas Cowboys
| Player | C/ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | SACKS | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Milton III | 10/18 | 132 | 7.3 | 1 | 0 | 0-0 | 97.5 |
| Will Grier | 4/6 | 40 | 6.7 | 0 | 0 | 1-9 | 85.4 |
| Team Total | 14/24 | 172 | 7.2 | 1 | 0 | 1-9 | 94.4 |
Stick moved the chains between the 20s but threw two fourth-quarter interceptions that killed any comeback hopes. His 71% completion rate came against Atlanta’s reserves, which matters less than the decision-making breakdowns late. The veteran from North Dakota State serves as the third quarterback behind starters Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins, neither of whom dressed for this exhibition finale.
Milton’s 132 yards came against Atlanta’s reserves, but first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer wasn’t evaluating competition level. He needed to see decision-making after Milton threw an ugly interception against Baltimore and showed inconsistent accuracy against Houston. The 97.5 passer rating shows progress. Zero interceptions confirms it. Milton completed seven of ten passes for 95 yards from clean pockets, per Pro Football Focus post-game charting. He took what defenses gave him instead of forcing throws into coverage. His 29-yard touchdown to Jalen Brooks dropped perfectly over the defender’s shoulder, the kind of touch throw missing from his earlier tape. That’s the development Dallas needed to see before finalizing their depth chart behind Dak Prescott.
Ben DiNucci came in late and threw an interception on his first pass back in Dallas. The former seventh-round pick signed with Atlanta this week after bouncing around the league since 2020.
Ground Game Statistics
Atlanta Falcons
| Player | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elijah Dotson | 12 | 74 | 6.2 | 0 | 0 |
| Jashaun Corbin | 11 | 51 | 4.6 | 0 | 0 |
| Easton Stick | 3 | 18 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nathan Carter | 4 | 10 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 |
| Chris Blair | 1 | -6 | -6.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 31 | 147 | 4.7 | 0 | 0 |
Dallas Cowboys
| Player | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deuce Vaughn | 10 | 42 | 4.2 | 0 | 12 |
| Joe Milton III | 4 | 33 | 8.3 | 1 | 18 |
| Jaydon Blue | 9 | 25 | 2.8 | 1 | 13 |
| Phil Mafah | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 1 | 15 |
| Will Grier | 3 | 4 | 1.3 | 0 | 3 |
| Malik Davis | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Team Total | 29 | 122 | 4.2 | 3 | 18 |
Dotson’s 41-yard burst came in garbage time with Dallas playing soft prevent coverage. The undrafted free agent from Southern finished with 74 yards on 12 carries, his best August performance as he fought for a practice squad spot. Corbin added 51 yards on 11 attempts, both backs running hard when Atlanta’s starters were already locked into their roster spots.
Milton’s legs opened Dallas’ offense early. He bulldozed into the end zone on a one-yard keeper to cap the opening drive, then ripped off 18 yards on a designed run that converted fourth and one in the third quarter. Two plays later he hit Brooks for the touchdown that put the game away. His ability to run and pass gives Dallas a mobile backup if Prescott needs rest during the season.
Blue’s promising debut got derailed by injury. The rookie from Texas punched in a one-yard score on his first preseason drive, showing the power that made him a fifth-round pick. Then his ankle rolled awkwardly in the second half, the same joint that cost him the first two weeks of August. He limped off and didn’t return, which raised serious questions about his availability for the September 4 opener at Philadelphia. The Cowboys needed to evaluate Blue after he missed two weeks of training camp, and now they’re monitoring another ankle injury with the regular season approaching.
Receiving Statistics
Atlanta Falcons
| Player | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG | TGTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Nash | 6 | 87 | 14.5 | 0 | 24 | 9 |
| Chris Blair | 6 | 65 | 10.8 | 0 | 21 | 9 |
| Feleipe Franks | 3 | 24 | 8.0 | 1 | 23 | 3 |
| Dylan Drummond | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 0 | 7 | 2 |
| Jesse Matthews | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Elijah Dotson | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Jashaun Corbin | 1 | -4 | -4.0 | 0 | -4 | 2 |
Dallas Cowboys
| Player | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG | TGTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Flournoy | 4 | 45 | 11.3 | 0 | 16 | 5 |
| Rivaldo Fairweather | 2 | 41 | 20.5 | 0 | 25 | 2 |
| Jalen Brooks | 2 | 35 | 17.5 | 1 | 29 | 3 |
| Traeshon Holden | 2 | 22 | 11.0 | 0 | 13 | 4 |
| Jalen Cropper | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
| Princeton Fant | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Josh Kelly | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Tyler Neville | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
Dallas Cowboys vs Atlanta Falcons Preseason Match Player Stats
The Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons wrapped up their preseason schedule with a game focused more on player evaluation than the final score. Dallas spotlighted Malik Milton, acquired from New England to compete for the backup quarterback role after Cooper Rush left in free agency. Atlanta used this matchup to give valuable reps to bubble players and backups, testing depth before the roster cut deadline.
This game offered fans a look at which young players and backups could make an impact when the regular season begins, and it revealed key differences in execution, red-zone efficiency, and depth performance between the two teams.
Game Context and Player Highlights
Dallas Cowboys:
- Milton’s Performance: Milton responded to head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s challenge with a strong showing. He led touchdown drives on Dallas’ first two possessions: a one-yard run after a nine-play, 59-yard drive, and a handoff to Blue for another one-yard touchdown following an eight-play, 75-yard march. In the third quarter, he extended a drive with an 18-yard keeper and threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Brooks. After this series, with Dallas leading 24-10, Milton was rested for the remainder of the game.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Dallas was perfect in the red zone, converting all three trips inside the 20-yard line. The Cowboys’ ability to execute at the goal line was a key difference between the teams.
- Supporting Players: Blue and Mafah contributed touchdowns, while Chris Blair made six catches for 65 yards, including a contested 21-yard reception in the third quarter. Mazi Smith recorded three tackles and showed improved push at defensive tackle, demonstrating potential for starting roles.
Atlanta Falcons:
- Quarterbacks and Playtime: Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins sat on the sidelines, while Stick and DiNucci handled snaps. Atlanta focused on giving backup players meaningful reps, especially receivers like Nash and Blair, and running backs such as Dotson and Carter.
- Red Zone Struggles: Atlanta struggled to convert scoring opportunities. Despite multiple drives into Dallas territory, they went 0-for-3 inside the 20-yard line. A late goal-line attempt was stopped on fourth-and-one at the one-yard line, summing up the Falcons’ red zone inefficiency.
- Skill Player Performances: Dotson rushed for 74 yards, Nash had six receptions, and Blair showed contested catch ability. However, the Falcons’ offense was unable to turn yardage into points.
Key Situations and Takeaways
- Red Zone Execution: Dallas dominated goal-line situations while Atlanta failed to score despite several promising drives.
- Roster Implications: Performances from Chris Blair, Nash, Dotson, Flournoy, and Mazi Smith will influence final 53-man roster decisions due Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
- Micah Parsons Situation: Parsons did not play due to a contract dispute, dominating headlines throughout preseason. His absence may continue into the regular season and could impact Dallas’ pass rush strategy.
- Upcoming Openers:
- Cowboys: Host defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia on September 4.
- Falcons: Open at home against Tampa Bay on September 7.
FAQs – Dallas Cowboys vs Atlanta Falcons Preseason Match Player Stats
Q1. What were the key performances in the Dallas Cowboys vs Atlanta Falcons match player stats?
A: Malik Milton led Dallas with multiple touchdown drives, supported by Blue and Mafah, while Chris Blair and Mazi Smith showed strong contributions. Atlanta moved the ball but struggled in the red zone, failing to score despite several opportunities
Q2. Who performed best for Dallas in this preseason game?
Malik Milton led Dallas with multiple touchdown drives and a 29-yard touchdown pass to Brooks, supported by Blue and Mafah.
Q3. Why did Atlanta struggle to score?
Atlanta went 0-for-3 inside the 20-yard line despite moving the ball into scoring positions multiple times.
Q4. Which players are under evaluation for roster spots?
Chris Blair, Nash, Dotson, Flournoy, and Mazi Smith had strong performances that could influence final roster decisions.
Q4. What happened with Micah Parsons?
Parsons did not play due to a contract dispute and stayed on the sidelines, with the issue likely carrying into the regular season.
Q5. How does this preseason game impact Week 1?
Dallas showed red zone efficiency and scoring execution, giving confidence heading into the opener vs Philadelphia. Atlanta must improve finishing drives before facing Tampa Bay.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys vs Atlanta Falcons preseason game highlighted the importance of execution and red zone efficiency over raw yardage. Dallas showcased the ability to finish drives in high-pressure situations, while Atlanta moved the ball but struggled to convert in scoring range. Player performances from Milton, Blair, Dotson, and Smith will help shape final roster decisions. The game also set the stage for Week 1, giving insight into which teams have the depth and discipline to succeed in critical situations. Overall, this matchup illustrated how preseason evaluation can separate players and strategies that will matter in the regular season.
