One of the favorite stories about the dynasty Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s was how quarterback Terry Bradshaw loved playing wide receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann against each other. The two would basically compete for his attention in hopes of getting more passes thrown their way. It sounds somewhat childish but it’s true. Receivers are viewed as divas but they know they won’t get the ball enough unless they say something. Credit to new Chicago Bears target Taylor Gabriel for learning that lesson.
It was certainly taught to him over his early career. After being a featured guy as a rookie in 2014 with 74 targets, he’s barely made it to 50s over the past two seasons. Part of this is having to play in a stacked passing game that features Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Leaving for Chicago was undoubtedly his choice to seek out a place he might see more of the football.
Except there’s more to it than just switching teams. Gabriel knew if he was going to get his foot in the door he’d have to make a statement of some kind. His method of attack? Simple but effective.
Taylor Gabriel arrived at Halas Hall in Trubisky jersey
Albert Breer of the MMQB caught up with Bears GM Ryan Pace to talk about the teams’ new additions in free agency. Pace explained that everybody is excited about what’s to come, and it was Gabriel who took the most straightforward approach to illustrating that.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
“Yeah, you could tell Mitch was excited, just through a quick text,” Pace said from his office the other night. “He’s fired up, and I know they’re all talking to each other. Today, Taylor was walking around the building in a Trubisky jersey. They’re all ready to go. It’s cool when you sense from the guys that we signed, how excited they are to play with him.
“And Mitch is equally excited, adding these pieces to what we already have.”
The Gabriel-Trubisky connection has already gotten off to a fast start. Not only did the wide receiver don his new QB’s jersey during his initial debut at team headquarters, he also had a memorable first conversation with Trubisky as well. It involved him asking how the 23-year old’s deep ball was, to which the QB replied, “Are you still fast?”
Odds are this connection is going to be a riot to follow, both on and off the field.
