NFL playoffs 2018: Biggest difference-maker for each contender

By Ian Wharton | Dec 19, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Anthony Miller (17) runs after catch in the 1st quarter during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears on October 28, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 29: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys pulls down a pass against Eli Apple #25 of the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys – Michael Gallup

Lost in the Amari Cooper-trade fallout for the Dallas Cowboys has been the solid play from third-round rookie Michael Gallup. While Cooper has been dominant since joining the Cowboys, quarterback Dak Prescott has missed several opportunities to create big plays with Gallup. That must change for this team to go further than the first-round of the playoffs.

Gallup has the ability to win on both vertical and underneath routes, possessing crisp route-running ability and enough burst to create separation at the apex of his route. He’s not a physically overwhelming player though, and some anticipation from the quarterback is needed to get the most out of the rookie. Prescott hasn’t done a great job of maximizing his skill set due to his own limitations.

Getting these two on the same page must be a priority for the Cowboys’ offense as they look to clinch the NFC East over the next two weeks. Gallup has potentially favorable matchups against Seattle rookie Tre’ Flowers and New Orleans’ Eli Apple if the Cowboys can advance that far and playoff seeds hold. His targets should rise as defenses key in on slowing Cooper.

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