Milroe's accuracy

AlexanderFan

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What have you done for me lately is the landscape forums, social media, talking heads on YouTube and ESPN, etc has created. JM obviously had a great game Saturday. Now is not the time to rest on his success but to use it as a trampoline to have us firing on all cylinders heading into the playoffs. With all that being said, the play calling Saturday was exceptional. Coach Sheridan accentuated the strengths that he has on that side of the ball, particularly with JM, and didn't try to take advantage of things that schematically may have been there but would have been extremely difficult to execute due to our skillset. Hopefully he has found his sweet spot with the weapons we have and JM is starting to get comfortable as well. When CNS and JM are on the same page, only good things will happen.
I always find it amusing how much smarter the coaches look when the plays are executed as intended.
 

cdub55

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I always find it amusing how much smarter the coaches look when the plays are executed as intended.
I agree to an extent. The plays were indeed executed, but the plays were by far different than what we have seen in the UT game and Vandy game. We accentuated throwing to the back out of the backfield, which we have done very little of, which is a high percentage throw and something that can create major problems when LB's are told all week to "keep an eye on the QB run". We didn't see many traditional dropback style plays which was something we have been doing quite a bit of as well.

As someone who has called offense for many years, I can tell you sometimes it takes a minute to completely understand your personnel and what they can and can't do. Milroe on paper due to arm strength should be able to push the ball down field. The reality is, he has not been able to do that and we are finally accepting that to some extent. To keep the defense honest, we will have to take a shot here or there, but the excessive amounts of deep outs, go balls, post routes, and corner routes we have seen are out the window. I expect to continue to see more screens, reverses, mesh concepts, and trickery from this offense in the coming weeks. We have a unique group of players on this team when you consider Milroe, Law, Williams, Bernard, Miller, and the massive OL we have. It isn't a matter of can this group score points, it is more a matter of what offense best accentuates these guys to be successful. I think we are starting to find that sweet spot.
 

AlexanderFan

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I agree to an extent. The plays were indeed executed, but the plays were by far different than what we have seen in the UT game and Vandy game. We accentuated throwing to the back out of the backfield, which we have done very little of, which is a high percentage throw and something that can create major problems when LB's are told all week to "keep an eye on the QB run". We didn't see many traditional dropback style plays which was something we have been doing quite a bit of as well.

As someone who has called offense for many years, I can tell you sometimes it takes a minute to completely understand your personnel and what they can and can't do. Milroe on paper due to arm strength should be able to push the ball down field. The reality is, he has not been able to do that and we are finally accepting that to some extent. To keep the defense honest, we will have to take a shot here or there, but the excessive amounts of deep outs, go balls, post routes, and corner routes we have seen are out the window. I expect to continue to see more screens, reverses, mesh concepts, and trickery from this offense in the coming weeks. We have a unique group of players on this team when you consider Milroe, Law, Williams, Bernard, Miller, and the massive OL we have. It isn't a matter of can this group score points, it is more a matter of what offense best accentuates these guys to be successful. I think we are starting to find that sweet spot.
Are you really trying to say Jalen Milroe can’t throw the deep ball? Dude has been injured, I don’t care what anyone says, he had some issues and the week off helped him tremendously with whatever was hampering him. His speed and willingness to run are undeniable evidence.

If Alabama abandons the deep routes and focuses on mesh concepts that require quick reads and consistency accuracy, you will be back to calling Sheridan a moron before the third quarter of the Mercer game.

Milroe was much improved with his placement and timing on the swing routes, but that isn’t normal for him. He stepped up and threw a laser to Law, which was dropped. That is also unusual for him.
 
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cdub55

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Are you really trying to say Jalen Milroe can’t throw the deep ball? Dude has been injured, I don’t care what anyone says, he had some issues and the week off helped him tremendously with whatever was hampering him. His speed and willingness to run are undeniable evidence.

If Alabama abandons the deep routes and focuses on mesh concepts that require quick reads and consistency accuracy, you will be back to calling Sheridan a moron before the third quarter of the Mercer game.

Milroe was much improved with his placement and timing on the swing routes, but that isn’t normal for him. He stepped up and threw a laser to Law, which was dropped. That is also unusual for him.
A.) I have never called Sheridan a moron
B.) No, Milroe's strength is not the 3rd level passing concepts. There is a big divide between "can't throw the deep ball" and "we need to live and die by pushing the ball down field"
C.) The style of play we adopted Saturday is not only what is best for Milroe, but is also what is best for this offense
D.) Most of the plays Saturday were simple one or two defender reads that were simple and put JM in a win win situation. Example: "If the LB follows the RB on the motion, fake the throw and run counter. If the RB stays in the box and they adjust with the safety, throw the bubble to the back."
 
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gtgilbert

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I agree to an extent. The plays were indeed executed, but the plays were by far different than what we have seen in the UT game and Vandy game. We accentuated throwing to the back out of the backfield, which we have done very little of, which is a high percentage throw and something that can create major problems when LB's are told all week to "keep an eye on the QB run". We didn't see many traditional dropback style plays which was something we have been doing quite a bit of as well.

As someone who has called offense for many years, I can tell you sometimes it takes a minute to completely understand your personnel and what they can and can't do. Milroe on paper due to arm strength should be able to push the ball down field. The reality is, he has not been able to do that and we are finally accepting that to some extent. To keep the defense honest, we will have to take a shot here or there, but the excessive amounts of deep outs, go balls, post routes, and corner routes we have seen are out the window. I expect to continue to see more screens, reverses, mesh concepts, and trickery from this offense in the coming weeks. We have a unique group of players on this team when you consider Milroe, Law, Williams, Bernard, Miller, and the massive OL we have. It isn't a matter of can this group score points, it is more a matter of what offense best accentuates these guys to be successful. I think we are starting to find that sweet spot.
I re-watched the game last night, and I think the biggest change from LSU versus the rest of the season was that JM was executing in sync with the play calls. A lot of the concepts you mentioned have been called in other games, but JM wasn't quite in sync (on-time) to be able to execute them. Against LSU he did a good job of getting into his steps / drop efficiently so that his back foot was planting at the right time to be able to execute some of the shorter concepts where the timing is critical to be able to hit the gaps in the defense. Really happy to see the growth in this area for JM. Of all the areas for growth, I've thought this was the one that was holding him back the most so I really hope he continues down that path.
 

bamamc1

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I re-watched the game last night, and I think the biggest change from LSU versus the rest of the season was that JM was executing in sync with the play calls. A lot of the concepts you mentioned have been called in other games, but JM wasn't quite in sync (on-time) to be able to execute them. Against LSU he did a good job of getting into his steps / drop efficiently so that his back foot was planting at the right time to be able to execute some of the shorter concepts where the timing is critical to be able to hit the gaps in the defense. Really happy to see the growth in this area for JM. Of all the areas for growth, I've thought this was the one that was holding him back the most so I really hope he continues down that path.
gt, both you and cdub have to be current-former coaches. I really appreciate the insight you both provide to this board.
 

arthurdawg

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Same for the defense... as the players have learned the system they have really started to perform quite well despite injuries, youth, transfers, and one DL pettily packing it in.

Glad they have figured our Milroe and been able to develop some good strategies!
 
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Bamabuzzard

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Though the rain had a lot to do with playcalling, I think (as most QB's) Milroe does best when he's not asked to carry the entire offense with his arm. Just like Jalen Hurts pro statistics show, when he's asked to throw the ball 18-25 times per game he does great. However, when he's asked to throw more than that his production drastically drops off. The running game helps him perform better.
 

AlexanderFan

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A.) I have never called Sheridan a moron
B.) No, Milroe's strength is not the 3rd level passing concepts. There is a big divide between "can't throw the deep ball" and "we need to live and die by pushing the ball down field"
C.) The style of play we adopted Saturday is not only what is best for Milroe, but is also what is best for this offense
D.) Most of the plays Saturday were simple one or two defender reads that were simple and put JM in a win win situation. Example: "If the LB follows the RB on the motion, fake the throw and run counter. If the RB stays in the box and they adjust with the safety, throw the bubble to the back."
Out of curiosity, what are Jalen Milroe’s passing strengths?
 
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cdub55

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Out of curiosity, what are Jalen Milroe’s passing strengths?
To not beat a dead horse, the short answer is, it isn't his strength. He isn't a drop back passer. That isn't a knock on him, it is what it is. Does he have exceptional arm strength? Yes. Can he throw accurately? Yes. Is he Tom Brady? We all know that answer. TB also couldn't run 22.3 mph. The whole point I was making is JM is a unique player that if used to his full capacity, needs a unique offense. He isn't a plug and play guy. He needs plays where we run Outside Zone to the left with the back and counter right with the line. RRO (Run Run Option) if you will. He needs an offense that is uniquely crafted to his skill set and strengths. He doesn't read the field very well. Fine! Give him one man reads using play action and let him sling it or run. That is what I saw Saturday. I know some have said the offense looked similar to what we have done previously, but I can tell you there was a completely different approach, new formations, and some new wrinkles thrown in. I think Sheridan is on to something right now and he has JM comfortable and confident. I don't care how fast you are, a player thinking is a slow player!
 
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arthurdawg

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To not beat a dead horse, the short answer is, it isn't his strength. He isn't a drop back passer. That isn't a knock on him, it is what it is. Does he have exceptional arm strength? Yes. Can he throw accurately? Yes. Is he Tom Brady? We all know that answer. TB also couldn't run 22.3 mph. The whole point I was making is JM is a unique player that if used to his full capacity, needs a unique offense. He isn't a plug and play guy. He needs plays where we run Outside Zone to the left with the back and counter right with the line. RRO (Run Run Option) if you will. He needs an offense that is uniquely crafted to his skill set and strengths. He doesn't read the field very well. Fine! Give him one man reads using play action and let him sling it or run. That is what I saw Saturday. I know some have said the offense looked similar to what we have done previously, but I can tell you there was a completely different approach, new formations, and some new wrinkles thrown in. I think Sheridan is on to something right now and he has JM comfortable and confident. I don't care how fast you are, a player thinking is a slow player!
Well said!
 
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RammerJammer14

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Are you really trying to say Jalen Milroe can’t throw the deep ball? Dude has been injured, I don’t care what anyone says, he had some issues and the week off helped him tremendously with whatever was hampering him. His speed and willingness to run are undeniable evidence.

If Alabama abandons the deep routes and focuses on mesh concepts that require quick reads and consistency accuracy, you will be back to calling Sheridan a moron before the third quarter of the Mercer game.

Milroe was much improved with his placement and timing on the swing routes, but that isn’t normal for him. He stepped up and threw a laser to Law, which was dropped. That is also unusual for him.
Was he injured? Or is this just speculation? Did I miss an announcement? He went through a stretch of extreme inaccuracy and people, including me, wondered if he was injured. But he said he was fine. I’m not so sure that his performance isn’t just explained by inconsistency.
 

cdub55

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Was he injured? Or is this just speculation? Did I miss an announcement? He went through a stretch of extreme inaccuracy and people, including me, wondered if he was injured. But he said he was fine. I’m not so sure that his performance isn’t just explained by inconsistency.
JM said he was fine. CKD said he was fine.

As we all know in football the only time you are 100% is the first day of practice. Everyone plays with some kind of ailment. It has been said over the years, there is a difference in being hurt and injured. JM may have had a nagging thing or two, but to claim injury and to say it was 100% the reason for his miscues would be a scapegoat tactic. If CKD said he was fine, and then gave the green light for _________ play to be called in the huddle, then CKD thought JM could make and execute the play. You honestly think CKD called a play and said to himself during the snap, "I know this isn't going to work because Milroe is hurt, but man isn't this a great play design against this front and coverage."?
 
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TiderJack

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Was he injured? Or is this just speculation? Did I miss an announcement? He went through a stretch of extreme inaccuracy and people, including me, wondered if he was injured. But he said he was fine. I’m not so sure that his performance isn’t just explained by inconsistency.
There is this from Tyler Booker just after the Tennessee game. There was a video just above this statement I did not include.


Milroe can be seen limping in pre-game warm-ups here.

On Monday, Alabama captain Tyler Booker was asked by The Next Round if Milroe was playing at 100%.

Booker immediately answered, "Jalen Milroe is 100%."

He followed up his emphatic answer with some clarification,

"Just thinking about it, me just saying - I think I answered it a little too quickly," Booker said. "Nobody is ever going to be 100 percent. Nobody is ever 100 percent. I'm hurting right now. Playing football in the SEC, you're never going to be 100 percent. What I meant to say is Jalen, he's on the field and he's going to be able to do everything in his power to help us win that game."

"Sorry I rushed that answer that question and didn't give it my full thought," Booker said. "You're never going to be 100 percent playing football in the SEC. When you're on that field, you're giving your all.

"I just didn't want to put a narrative out there about Jalen that could have been spun a certain way."

And this from DeBoer after the Tenn game.


  • DeBoer asked about if Milroe is dealing with any injuries. “There’s nothing that is going to be holding him back from being able to go out there” and helping to get a win. But DeBoer noted everyone playing significant snaps right now is dealing with something usually.
 
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