Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy Moving Michael Gallup: 'More Than An X!'
Michael Gallup had an underwhelming season last year, mainly due to the effects of his ACL injury, but also due to play-calling ... and Mike McCarthy wants that to change.
Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup would rather forget last season. Coming off his ACL injury, the former third-round pick wasn't his usual self.
Totaling just 424 yards and four touchdowns from his 14 games (11 starts), many wondered exactly where he fit into the Cowboys' offensive scheme under Kellen Moore.
In short, maybe he didn't. But head coach Mike McCarthy, now in charge of his own play-calling, wants to have Gallup more involved in the offense after having a smooth offseason thus far.
"Michael is very important," McCarthy said. "He just wants to have a healthy season, he's been through these injuries here, and he looks good. This is really the first time in my time here that he's had a full offseason program.''
And how does that "importance'' manifest itself? Maybe it's about Michael on the move.
"I think more with Michael it's about opportunities in the conversations we've had, particularly with (new coordinator) Brian Schottenheimer," McCarthy said. "Giving him some opportunities inside, expanding his responsibility. He's been pretty much an exclusive X receiver here, but we feel like he can do more."
While some criticized Gallup's output last season, delving deeper into it, it can be argued that he wasn't targeted enough to allow himself a consistent chance at improving post-injury.
Gallup looked to be an afterthought in an offense with only CeeDee Lamb and tight end Dalton Schultz as consistent outlets. Five times he was targeted four times or less in a game.
Against the Detroit Lions, Gallup was only targeted twice for zero receptions, and in all his games, his biggest reception total was five. For a receiver who, before his injuries had seasons of 1,107 yards (2019) and 843 yards (2020), it was a stark drop-off.
But with the West Coast scheme predicated on short, crisp passes and McCarthy's desire to use Gallup more inside (slant routes are where he flourishes), there could be more opportunities to get him involved.
And ... for Gallup's part, he feels healthy, sure, ready, saying, "I'm very confident I'll feel like that guy again. Very confident. It just feels different. It's kind of in the air. I smile every time I walk in that facility."
Being confident in his body is half the battle, and if the early stages of OTA's are anything to go by, "Michael on the move'' could mean Gallup set for a big year in Dallas.
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Source: Sports Illustrated
