Dallas Cowboys: 5 Players who must be better in 2021

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Jun 3, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) catches a pass during voluntary Organized Team Activities at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Dallas Cowboys are going to be able to move past their 2020 season and contend in the NFC East again, these 5 players must perform better

Will the Dallas Cowboys improve in 2021 after a disappointing 2020 campaign?

The answer to that question will depend on the players themselves, especially their stars who weren’t exactly up to par last year.

Here, we look at five players who didn’t live up to their expectations in 2020 that need to play better if Dallas wants to get back on track.

5. Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver

After recording 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns in 2019, Michael Gallup had some lofty expectations entering his third season in the NFL. And he was one of three wideouts on the team capable of crossing the 1,000-yard mark as he was on the field with Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb.

In the end, Cooper was the only one to hit the mark and Lamb came close, but Gallup fell further behind with 843 yards and five touchdowns. In his defense, Dallas was without Dak Prescott from Week 5 on as their star quarterback suffered a broken ankle and was lost for the season.

Still, there were far too many games where Gallup seemed to be out of the plans and he had a catch rate of just 56.2 percent on the year.

Now entering his final season under contract with the Cowboys, Gallup needs to have a big season not only to help the team get back into the playoff race but also to secure a long-term contract — whether that be in Big D or elsewhere.

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