[user104658]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I think Gabriel might be a catalyst, I like that Negan finds him creepy

Since he completely lost his fear, Father Gabe has been the most hardcore character on the show. Straight up terrifying . Negan probably has absolutely no idea what to make of him. He realises that he doesn't scare him, but it's not in a brave / defiant / standing up to him way like with Carl... he's not challenging Negan... he's just calm and unphased. What do you do with that? And then, yeah, the reason that Rick isn't able to stand up and fight is because he is emotionally all over the place. Maybe Gabriel can pass on a bit of that zen to Rick so that he can do something.