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Dallas Cowboys: 5 midseason breakout candidates

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Nevin Lawson #24 of the Detroit Lions tries to break up the pass caught by Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Nevin Lawson #24 of the Detroit Lions tries to break up the pass caught by Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images
Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images /

The Dallas Cowboys are nearing their midseason point. Here are five candidates who could post breakout performances in the second half of the season.

Through the first seven games of the 2018 NFL regular season, the Dallas Cowboys have a record of 3-4 and sit in third place within their division. Over the weekend, the Cowboys had a chance to take the lead in the NFC East but instead lost to the now 4-2 Washington Redskins on the road.

Entering their bye week, Dallas is at a critical point of their season. And they could use some midseason breakout performances in order to climb to the top of the standings. Therefore, we believe we have identified five players whose play could improve drastically in the second half of the year.

Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver

With all the changes forced on the Cowboys wide receiver corps in 2018, third round rookie Michael Gallup was expected to be a major contributor in Dallas. And Gallup flashed his potential in the offseason making eye-popping catches left and right. But he also showed he can be very inconsistent, something you’d expect to see from a rookie.

Through Gallup’s first seven games of his NFL career, the 22-year old has displayed those same boom-or-bust qualities. The first-year wideout has recorded 10 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown. It’s been a disappointing start for the rookie as the Cowboys wide receiver corps is desperately looking for a spark.

There is certainly a belief that Gallup is a playmaker. But there is a lack of confidence, opportunities, and an abundance of inexperience holding him back. But he’s been making bigger and bigger plays as his first season is progressing.

Gallup recorded a big 37-yard catch against the Detroit Lions in Week Four. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week Six, Gallup recorded a 27-yard reception and nearly posted his first touchdown in the NFL on a terrific leaping attempt in the end zone.

And on Sunday, the 22-year old racked up a season-high three receptions for 81 yards and a score. His first touchdown as a professional came in the second quarter on a 49-yard bomb from quarterback Dak Prescott in their 20-17 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Gallup posted a whopping 100 receptions for 1,418 yards and seven touchdowns during 13 games his senior season at Colorado State. Despite his slow start in Dallas, the rookie is showing signs of posting much better performances moving forward. Michael Gallup could easily string together several breakout performances in the second half of his rookie campaign.

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