Michael Gallup: A Breakout Season Awaits
Michael Gallup: A Breakout Season Awaits
If you look at the Dallas Cowboys 2018 season, you think about the defense featuring Vander Esch and Smith. You think of Dak Prescott continuing to win games at the NFL level. Most of all, you probably think about the trade for Amari Cooper in the middle of the season. The trade that turned the season around. A player that flew under the radar last year, but quietly had a solid season, was a rookie wide receiver, Michael Gallup.
Gallup, a Colorado State product, consistently got better and better as the season went on. His ability to stretch the field and give Prescott a deep threat opens a lot of options for the Cowboys’ offense. In his rookie season, the speedy wideout had 33 catches for 507 yards and 2 touchdowns. Stats don’t seem that impressive, but factor in the several times Dak missed Gallup wide open down the field. If Prescott makes these throws, you might as well add 150-200 yards and 2-3 touchdowns to Gallup’s line. This reason alone should show why Gallup is poised to break out in 2019. Hopefully this year, Dak throws the ball to Gallup and not 10 yards past him.
Tragedy Strikes
A few days prior to the Cowboys vs. Redskins showdown on Thanksgiving, tragedy struck Michael and the Gallup family. Andrew Gallup, the brother of Michael, had committed suicide. Gallup found out after the win over Atlanta, where he had numerous family members in the crowd. Gallup would not miss any action as he played on Thanksgiving, catching 2 catches for 19 yards in a 31-23 win over Washington. The power that he had to play through that game is more impressive than any stat line he could have put up.
Breakout Game
Gallup’s breakout game was in fact in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. Dallas ultimately lost the game, but Gallup didn’t disappoint. Shadowed by Marcus Peters for most of the game, Gallup torched the Rams secondary with 6 catches for 119 yards with a 44 yard over the shoulder catch that was yards away from being a touchdown. The Dallas rookie showed his perseverance in this game and didn’t back down against the trash talking Peters. Even though it was a defeat, this is the start of something special for Michael Gallup.
Projections 2019
50 REC 850 YDS 5 TD
-By: Richie Dordas