'Freak of Nature!' Dallas Cowboys’ Michael Gallup Returns to Form - Just in Time?
The Dallas Cowboys' offense enjoyed its most productive day in 57 years during Sunday's 49-17 win over the New York Giants inside AT&T Stadium.
Dallas' 640 yards of offense is the second-highest mark in franchise history, trailing only a 652-yard showing against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 9, 1966.
There were several star performances, headlined by quarterback Dak Prescott, who went 26 of 35 for 404 yards and four touchdowns while adding another on the ground, and receivers Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb, who had a combined 20 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns.
But not to be swept under the rug is a bounce-back showing from receiver Michael Gallup, who caught two passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, his first of the season. It was the most yards he's had since recording 90 in the Week 3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
In his previous four games, Gallup had just nine receptions for 78 yards. He saw only two targets against the Giants but made them count, catching passes of 41 and 29 yards.
And perhaps most importantly, providing a reminder he's still capable of making big plays on an ever-explosive Cowboys offense.
"It means everything because at the end of the day, it’s going to take us all," Cooks said. "MG, he's a freak of nature. Tonight showed that. For him to keep going, I believe so much in him."
Cooks has been a prevalent voice for Gallup off the field, often telling him to trust his abilities and don't forget who he is - an explosive player.
It's a similar story for Prescott, who saw Gallup go from promising third-round rookie in 2018 to breakout second-year player and has been with him every step of the way in the years that have followed.
Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) makes a catch over New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the second half at AT&T Stadium
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Since his 1,107-receiving yard season in 2019, Gallup's yardage has dipped each season, a byproduct of injury trouble and a deeper supporting cast around him.
But during his descent, Gallup remained upbeat - and was rewarded with a strong game Sunday in Arlington.
"If anyone has been a fan of him, everyone in here can attest that it’s me," Prescott said. "I understand that he’s had some tough games, some adversity, but that’s life. The last thing he’s going to do is fold. Last thing he’s going to do is to allow that to get to him. Not going to allow that to get to me and not feed the guy.
"So happy for him. I’m not surprised at all."
Gallup's 41-yard touchdown catch down the right sideline was dubbed "huge" by Prescott, who also praised his 29-yarder.
The Cowboys' passing attack has long revolved around Prescott and Lamb ... but Gallup's resurgence paired with Cooks biggest game this year illustrated just how dangerous this offense can be.
With Lamb playing at the level he currently is, Prescott noted defenses have to leave somebody one-on-one, and he's fully confident Gallup will make those plays - just as he did Sunday.
"He had a huge catch down in the endzone making another big one later and that’s who he is," Prescott said. "You get the ball up, you give him an opportunity and watch him do the rest. When he can do that, other guys are winning. Just to see how they play us and what they decide."
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy named Gallup one of the best red zone receivers he's ever been around. Like Prescott, McCarthy was entirely unsurprised by Gallup's performance.
“That’s what Michael does," McCarthy said. "We talked about him coming out of last year, going through that first year, coming back from an injury, trying to get him more involved and playing different spots"
After a frustrating stretch, Gallup needed a big game - but it's possible that for the Cowboys to realize their full potential come playoff team, they needed such a showing from Gallup more than he did.
And after Sunday's historical offensive day, both Gallup and the Cowboys are riding high - and the best may still be yet to come.
"That’s the beauty of it, we still have so much that we can do," McCarthy said. "You have to move these guys around. They doubled CeeDee a ton. I think obviously the touchdown that Dak scrambled in, they doubled two guys, you can’t double everybody. The other guys need to take advantage.”
