Dallas’s year was undoubtedly a bad one considering the expectations before the competition started. Hiring Mike McCarthy was supposed to be the thing that was going to give the team a bonus. However, the results were disappointing. But now that the season is over, it’s the right time to evaluate each one’s performance. Today: wide receivers.
How was 2020 for wide receivers?
No positional group lived up to this. The impact it had was even in line with the enormous expectations it had generated before starting the season. The main reason all eyes were on wide receivers came after what happened during the last draft.
That global pick # 17 was destined by all the experts towards a defensive player. Cornerback CJ Henderson and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw were the favorites for the franchise to be chosen there. However, by the time Jerry Jones’ turn came, the CB was already assigned to the Jaguars and the DT had been selected by the 49ers.
What no one expected was that CeeDee Lamb would fall so much. That possibility was so unlikely that they hadn’t even taken the time to evaluate it. Choosing a cornerback taller than his value indicated was an option in order to fill a need. Although this time the story of Taco Charlton was not repeated over TJ Watt and they took the best prospect available.
This was what is called a luxury pick. That is, something that you do not necessarily require but that draws a lot of attention. It goes without saying that no one criticized having chosen what many saw as the best WR in its class. It was from there that the great discussion began about who could be the best wide receiver trio in the NFL.
Cowboys WR Amari Cooper said that, between him, Michael Gallup and first-round pick CeeDee Lamb, “the expectation is to have three 1,000-yard receivers this year.”
Dallas would be just the sixth offense in NFL history to produce three 1,000-yard receivers in same season. pic.twitter.com/lyDsX2XDVm
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 4, 2020
An interview with Amari Cooper set the expectations numerically. “The expectation is to have three 1,000-yard receivers,” Cooper said, referring to the rookie and Michael Gallup. The cold numbers indicate that only Cooper hit that mark, but it’s clear the reason was simply that they had 11 games with backup quarterbacks.
The great merit is that each found its place without taking the other off the limelight. Perhaps at times Gallup was somewhat relegated, although at other times it was key. In this efficient way of distributing the ball even without Dak Prescott the offensive coordinator has a lot of credit. Kellen Moore made the unit relatively productive without Dak.
Amari Cooper
Cooper was logically the leader in each of the important categories. His roster finished with 1,114 yards on 92 receptions with five touchdowns. Although they were tied in touchdowns by air, in the other areas he prevailed. This made sense considering that in March he signed a $ 100 million contract before becoming a free agent.
A very important conclusion is that it truly was the Cowboys’ WR1. Something in which he improved notably is in consistency playing out of AT&T Stadium. While in 2019 he had barely obtained 26.9% of his yards on the road, in 2020 that figure rose to 42%.
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The catch ????????Amari Cooper snags the TD for Dallas.
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— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 9, 2020
Although the number that proves its importance is that of the targets it received. There he outscored Lamb by registering 130. Cooper ranked 14th in the league on that variable, 14th also in yards and 11th in receptions. He was seen in turn much more physically whole, beyond the fact that he was operated once the season was over.
CeeDee Lamb
Lamb’s breakthrough makes him second on this list. The rookie totaled an excellent 935-74-5 in 111 goals. Although he had more than 100 yards in just two games, his production was superb. In fact, he was the best rookie wide receiver behind only Justin Jefferson of the Vikings.
The most relevant contribution he made was to give much more versatility to an offense that was already very complete. His ability to run routes made him a constant threat in midfield. One point in his favor is that he found the spaces within the zone coverage very well to help the QB when he was in trouble.
The toughness he showed to withstand very hard hits without complaining is another characteristic that labels him as a future star. His best game statistically came in Week 5 against the Giants with 124 yards on eight catches. Although it is very difficult to forget the touchdown he made in Minnesota.
CEEDEE. #DallasCowboys
????: #DALvsMIN on FOX
????: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/tUoK0wsA9N pic.twitter.com/82SyWUpzYy— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2020
One thing that made him stand out was his ability to create yards after the catch. But another distinctive element is the possibility of using it in various situations. That’s how he added to his credit a 19-yard rushing touchdown against the Eagles. A week earlier, he had scored a touchdown by returning a short kick against San Francisco.
Michael Gallup
Gallup is another wide receiver who stepped up. The growth between his rookie season and the next was spectacular, but his third year in the league also improved. His primary task was to be a deep threat to stretch the defenses, although he showed himself as a great route runner.
It could even be said that he was the one who had the most incredible receptions. A trademark of Cooper is the way he maintains control of the body when receiving a ball on the sidelines, but Gallup is definitely a great student. That was a decisive part for which he finished with 843 yards on 59 receipts and five touchdowns.
The highest number in yards came with six receptions for 138 yards at Seattle. Another standout performance came in Week 5 with two key actions for Greg Zuerlein to score the winning field goal against New York. However, his most dominant performance in Dallas versus Philadelphia. Gallup did it all in that overwhelming triumph.
.@Michael13Gallup made these catches back-to-back ????#DallasCowboys take the lead.
????: #PHIvsDAL on FOX
????: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/BVP8uIyKIx pic.twitter.com/8Tu93jeOEr— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2020
Although the sector of the recipients was made up of five members. The remainder are Noah Brown and Cedrick Wilson. Brown had 154 yards on 14 receptions and Wilson finished with 189 on 17. The colored note is that Wilson threw a touchdown pass to Prescott vs. NY. Both had several injuries long ago, but were able to show their potential.
Is it necessary in free agency or the draft?
Under no circumstances will it be required to invest in this position. The conjunction the Cowboys got is something the offense must base the offense on going forward. Beyond speculation about the salary space, they shouldn’t trade or release any of them. Logically, the draft could be a good alternative to add depth if an interesting talent appears in the rounds of day 3.
Who is staying and who is leaving?
Brown is the only one who will be able to choose his fate because his bond ends after being drafted in 2017. Another such case is that of Wilson, although he will be a restricted free agent. Doubts about trading Gallup for being in his last year of contract will generate speculation in the coming months. However, Dallas must bet everything on the offensive side. Unless you receive a very tempting offer, this scenario should not be highly considered.
