Fansided

5 breakout players from Week 1 of 2019 NFL season

By Brad Berreman

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs past Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts during overtime of a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs past Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts during overtime of a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

4. Cowboys WR Michael Gallup

Gallup did not have a 100-yard game last year as a rookie until Dallas’ Divisional Round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams (six receptions for 119 yards). One game into 2019, he has already set career-highs after tallying seven catches for 158 yards against the New York Giants on Sunday.

New Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has instantly modernized the team’s offense, with run-pass options, an array of formations and no stubborn commitment to the running game when it is not warranted. That also means multiple players can make an impact, as Dak Prescott’s 25 completions on Sunday went to seven different receivers (led by Gallup’s seven grabs) and Prescott’s four touchdown passes went to four different guys.

Gallup will benefit from Amari Cooper drawing the opposing team’s No. 1 corner on a weekly basis, and perhaps no one this side of Prescott will benefit more from a newly minted offensive scheme in Dallas. A breakout performance in Game 1 is an easy indicator that a breakout second NFL season is on the radar.