No longer Porter-esque, Gabriel may be the best

By Anthony Carroll  |   Tuesday, July 11, 2006  |  Comments( 39 )

Oakland Raiders
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Just over a year ago, the Oakland Raiders' top brass offered Jerry Porter a lucrative contract extension that included $10 million in guaranteed money.

Shortly after, Porter's agent, Joel Segal, commented, "It's a contract that's a good contract for Jerry and a good contract for the team. It's a win for everybody."

Hardly.

With a fat wallet in hand, Porter sleepwalked his way through the 2005 season, posting just two 100-yard games, a seven-reception game high, and a 12.4 yards-per-catch average.

In the meantime, Doug Gabriel--for just $380,000 in change--posted an equivalent amount of 100-yard efforts, a game high of eight-receptions, and a per-catch average of 15 yards.

In a strong '05 campaign, the third-year wideout finished with 37 catches, 554 yards, and three touchdowns. Despite missing two straight weeks and starting in 12 less games, Gabriel finished with just 388 yards and two touchdowns less than Porter.

Selected in the late fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, the Central Florida alumnus has already proven his value to the game of football. As a rookie, the 215-pounder made his presence felt through special teams. On the year, Gabriel returned 29 kickoffs for 646 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown-ending scamper at San Diego late in the season. Each of those return statistics topped Oakland's team leaderboard, earning him respect from the management that would eventually carry over into his sophomore season.

In 2004, it took all but one week for Gabriel to become a potent member of the Raiders' offense. In the team's season-opening meeting with Pittsburgh, Gabriel streaked down the field for a 58-yard touchdown reception, exiting Week One with 81 receiving yards. For the remainder of the season, Gabriel would continue to contribute on both special teams and offense. Starting in five regular season games, No. 85 hoarded 33 catches for 551 yards and a pair of touchdowns in limited offensive action. Additionally, Gabriel returned 53 kickoffs for 1,140 yards, including four returns over 40 yards.

In all--with last season incorporated--the 25-year-old has appeared in 42 games, catching 71 passes for 1,122 yards and five touchdowns.

More impressive than Gabriel's time-restricted stat table, however, is his tremendous work ethic and attitude towards the game. Prior to the 2004 season, Gabriel reflected back upon his rookie season and stressed the importance of growing in his second year. "My rookie campaign was basically to sit back and learn. This year I have to put it all together. I have been working on every little thing I can," he stated. "I watched a lot of film. Film work is perfect. If you can't go out on the field, you go to the film room and see what you did wrong. When you go out there, you have to be perfect on everything. I am pacing myself. I'm not trying to do too much. This season I am much more relaxed and focused."

Doug Gabriel, at 6-2, 215 pounds, measures very closely to the 6-2, 220-pound Jerry Porter.

Rumor has it that a bad attitude weighs around five pounds.

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Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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CommentsComments: 39  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
CHRIS PETRICONE		06:00 AM
07/11/2006
I LOVE THE ARTICLE ON DOUG GABRIEL, MAYBE THIS WILL BE A WAKE UP CALL TO MR. PORTER. PERSONALLY I WOULD TRADE HIM TO A TEAM THE...
No.2
R8RFATEFUL		10:36 AM
07/11/2006
Most excellent article on Doug Gabriel. It seems that since Porter got his big money contract, he thinks that he can now just sit...
No.3
Rich Mouser		11:25 AM
07/11/2006
Good article, as usual. If there is a position the Raiders are deep at, it is definately receiver. Remember who put the heat on...
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