Taylor Gabriel wants more action in games
After recording a season-high 68 receiving yards against the Packers, Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel wants to get his hands on more receptions as the season continues.
A third-year receiver out of Abilene Christian, Gabriel was the Falcons’ second leading receiver behind Mohamed Sanu in Sunday’s 33-32 win.
“I’m a wide receiver, so I feel like I should say yes (to wanting more receptions), but at the same time I’m doing with the team needs me to do,” Gabriel said. “But I do want to make more big plays and just impact the game more.”
Sunday’s game was Gabriel’s first after suffering a concussion against Seattle on Oct. 16. Gabriel did not play in the Falcons’ overtime loss to the Chargers a week later and was limited in practice ahead of the Packers’ game, but was cleared to play Sunday.
Catching 11 of 13 total passes thrown his way this season, Gabriel caught all three passes thrown to him Sunday, including his first touchdown reception as a Falcon.
“(Gabriel’s) patience at the top of the route to keep the defender on the outside made the play,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “I just tried to give him an opportunity to make a play on the ball, but that’s what he brings to our team. I think that’s why he was a huge addition for us at the end of the preseason, to add him. He’s a great vertical threat and when you’re going to double Julio like that and leave (Gabriel) singled up, he can run by people, and that was fun to be a part of and to see that from him today.”
Gabriel’s 48-yard touchdown reception was the longest touchdown reception of his career and the first of four Falcons’ touchdowns against the Packers on Sunday.
In his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel received for 621 yards and one touchdown, averaging 17.3 yards per catch. In 2015, Gabriel played in 13 games with the Browns and caught for 241 receiving yards on 28 catches.
“We sensed Gabe would have a good day,” coach Dan Quinn said. “He took some shots down the field in practice, and I thought it was really one of our better weeks overall. As a team practicing, there were some deep shots from him and from Matt to Gabe. Generally, that performance follows that kind of focus. So, the focus was right and the performance followed.”
Although Gabriel has produced only 175 yards and one touchdown this season, claiming Gabriel off waivers in September has paid off. Between Gabriel and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu who signed with the Falcons in March, the Falcons have downfield options to carry the game when throws to wide receiver Julio Jones are too dangerous.
Ryan targeted Jones five times Sunday, but Jones had only three receptions for 29 yards. Between spurts of over 100-yard receiving games, Jones finished with two 29-yard receiving games against the Packers and Broncos and a 16-yard game against the Saints.
When Jones is limited by opposing defenses, Gabriel feels comfortable stepping up as he did against the Packers.
“I just feel like me being in man coverage is something that I’ve always been good at,” Gabriel said. “I feel like I can use that to my ability because Julio is bringing double coverage and double-teamed, so as long as I do my job in man coverage, I feel like I’ll be OK just coming in and doing with the team needs.”
Although Gabriel was held out of the the Falcons’ season opener against Tampa Bay after he signed the Sunday before, Gabriel knows the Buccaneers well. For Thursday’s division matchup, Gabriel will call upon his knowledge from joint practices and scrimmages he had with the Buccaneers when he played for the Browns.
“I’m familiar with all the defensive backs and all the guys, so I just feel like I can use my talents to help the team,” Gabriel said. “Whichever way (offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) wants to use me, I’ll be there to help.”
