The Oregon Ducks football fans have not been the happiest with their new quarterback Dillon Gabriel early on in his tenure.
Gabriel is a quick release, efficient quarterback who typically throws to the first open receiver he can find. However, the style of Gabriel can sometimes cause fans to become upset with his play, and after a couple close calls Ducks fans have almost had it. In particular, Gabriel missed an open touchdown pass against the Oregon State Beavers and immediately received plenty of hate for his incompletion.
Oregon Ducks Football Fans Let Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Have It Following Incompletion
The Oregon Ducks football fans have been loudly booing quarterback Dillon Gabriel after the quarterback missed on open touchdown to wide receiver Tez Johnson. Gabriel has struggled to completely unload this season and unleash the arm strength he has. Regardless, the quarterback has still shown flashes for the Ducks and overall has led the team to solid offensive production.
Field goal, Ducks
To chorus of boos, Atticus Sappington drills the short field goal to extend Oregon’s lead after Dillon Gabriel misses an open Tez Johnson in the red zone on third down
10:25 3Q | Ducks 25, Beavers 14
— Alec Dietz (@AlecDietz) September 14, 2024
The Oregon Ducks fans were not as understanding, as boos reigned down across the stadium following the miss. Fans were quick to take to social media and describe their anger towards Gabriel and the miss that he had. Gabriel had been perfect before the incompletion, completing his first 15-of-15 passes for the Ducks and moving the offense down the field.
I can’t tell if the fans booed former Beav Atticus Sappington, or Ducks WR Tez Johnson.
Before Johnson’s drop of what woulda been a sure touchdown, Dillon Gabriel was 15-for-15.
— Matt Bagley (@BagleySports) September 14, 2024
The Oregon football staff and Dan Manning are going to have to find a way to become more menacing on offense and defense. The defense has struggled to completely clamp down an offense thus far into the season despite some relatively easy games. The offensive line has also been a major issue for the Ducks as opposing teams have been able to pressure Gabriel with relative ease.
Should the Oregon Ducks Alter Their Offense Moving Forward?
While fans may not be the happiest with Gabriel up to this point, the quarterback has still led the offense to multiple 30-point performances early on. The quarterback is more than capable to lead the offense, but some of the blame must be placed upon other individuals. In particular, receiver Tez Johnson and the offensive line have been prime suspects.
The offensive line has allowed more sacks already this season through three games than they did all last season. While the Ducks set an impressive sack allowance of just five a season ago, the offensive line was expected to at least replicate what they did. However, that has not been the case for the Oregon Ducks football team thus far, as blocking has been a major issue.
The Oregon Ducks football fans also need to place blame upon Johnson, who has logged multiple drops already this season. Dropping the football as a receiver is something that is frowned upon, and dropping potential drive moving completions is killer. Johnson and the offensive line will also need to improve as Gabriel continues to open up the offense with the Ducks.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, follow me on Twitter @JarrettGuerrera
1 Comment
I was at the game and I didn’t hear any Boos other than the Oregon State fans. Gabriel put the ball to wear only the receiver could get it or nobody. The Beaver fan was close enough (in his Hip pocket) to intercept. Although it was a good missed opportunity it was a close passs.