Michael Gallup is coming off a pretty productive rookie campaign in 2018. He riled in 33 receptions for 507 yards and 2 touchdowns. Fast forward to now, he’s put himself in position to be a major contributor in the Dallas Cowboys aerial assault this upcoming season. Added additions to the offense like Randall Cobb, rookie Tony Pollard, and the return of Jason Witten gives defenses a lot to focus on in 2019 and could open up the door for Gallup to reach another level.
It was apparent early that Gallup had the talent to play at the NFL level with his size, speed, and athleticism. All that was missing was the timing and chemistry needed with his Quarterback Dak Prescott. Several times during the season the two couldn’t connect on what seemed to be routine pass plays, more specifically ones down the field after Gallup got open. The duo showed promise, though, as the Cowboys started their playoff run last season. Even though he only had 18 yards on 2 receptions against the Seahawks, he scored on a fade route with 24 seconds left in the first half that gave the Cowboys the lead, a game they eventually won 24-22.
As the team headed to Los Angeles to face the Rams, Gallup showed up and showed out even in a loss with 6 receptions on 9 targets for 119 yards. However, the question was could this momentum continue into 2019 in Gallup’s sophomore season. The early indications in training camp have shown they’re headed in the right direction. Prescott looks more comfortable with Gallup, and conversely, the second-year receiver is showing more discipline in his route running and being where he needs to be.
A big reason for this maturation is the battles Gallup is having in practice with Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. Iron Sharpens Iron and the one-on-one training that they’re giving him is paying dividends already.
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Prescott’s confidence in Gallup seems to be at an all-time high as training camp has intensified with full padded practices. When recently asked about his receiver the Cowboys franchise signal-caller echoed those sentiments.
“He’s a beast. He’s just grown,” Prescott said. “From last year’s camp to this camp, completely different person. It’s exciting to see him just coming into his own and have the confidence and telling me, ‘Hey, throw me the ball, it’s 1 on 1.’ He’s always open.”
As mentioned earlier, the timing on deep passes between Gallup and Prescott was slightly off last season. However, Gallup has confidence this won’t be the case going forward with new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore calling the plays. He explained this in a recent interview with ESPN San Antonio.
“Kellen, he just, he’s showing a whole different way for everybody,” Gallup said. “He’s trying to change things up, put people in different spots. He’s trying to let Dak throw the deep ball because Dak wants to throw the deep ball. Kellen coming in here, he’s a younger guy just like us, so he’s thinking the same way we are. He wants to take the big shots, have a fun game.”
As the 2019 season draws closer the chemistry between Gallup and Prescott will be important as the organization tries to get past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1995. If this shall come to pass I can see not only a more productive year two for Gallup but possibly a pro bowl nod.
