Michael Gallup in a Slump: Dallas Cowboys ‘Asking’ Too Much?
With coach Mike McCarthy taking over the offensive play-calling duties for the Dallas Cowboys as the "Texas Coast Offense" was the headline-grabber of the offseason, Michael Gallup looked to be a big beneficiary of the change.
As McCarthy's new scheme emphasized quick, crisp throws to keep the chains moving, Gallup often did his best work on slant routes. Putting the two together seemed to be a recipe that could work well.
But in his last two outings, Gallup has struggled. The receiver has just five receptions on 15 targets for 39 yards. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, he had 10 targets, but he caught just three balls.
Receivers coach Robert Prince offered insight into Gallup's up-and-down form through the season's first six weeks.
“You know, unfortunately, sometimes things don't work out,” Prince said, “but we put MG out on the island out there, and he's going to get press coverage, and we're asking him to win those battles.”
Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Gallup has caught 18 passes for 204 yards in his six games as the Cowboys will no doubt look at ways to get him going again over the bye week.
As top guy CeeDee Lamb does his thing, many thought Gallup could return to the 2019 version that caught 66 passes for 1,107 yards. But that seems a long way away right now. There is still plenty of time left in the season for Gallup to rediscover his form, and he has shown he is still capable, as evidenced by his efforts against the Arizona Cardinals (6 catches for 92 yards) and the New England Patriots (5 for 60 yards).
But after a poor outing, some called for Jalen Tolbert to enter the game in his place against the Chargers.
The Cowboys supported Gallup during his injury and slow return … and paid him, at $13 million APY. Cowboys Nation surely feels that now, it's time for him to repay that faith.
He's getting the targets, he just needs to maximize them.
