AJ or Sims ?

[KrAzY3]

How exactly did AJ disappoint you in games last year? Aside from the butt-slapping incident, I thought he looked great. I watched him in person at the UcheaT game and he looked phenomenal. IIRC, he had one or two of his passes in the Iron Bowl flat out dropped.

I think a lot of you have a case of backupQBitis. Doesn't help that our "backup" QB has an excellent skill set, either. Everybody wanted JPW pulled for McElroy, and McElroy pulled for Star or AJ at times. Now they want McCarron pulled for Sims, and if Sims starts and doesn't tear it up, they'll want Sims pulled for McCarron. It's a vicious cycle

Coach Saban has shown a propensity for starting the QB with the most experience, regardless of the "potential" of the 2nd teamer. With AJ and Phillip being so close skillwise, I believe Coach will start the most experienced of the two again...

Besides the butt slapping incident? The Auburn game. No way did I expect him to go out and win the game, but I did expect him to look more prepared.

I guess I'm not everyone. I backed JPW over McElroy and then in turn McElroy over everyone else. This is because all things considered I thought they were the right guy to be on the field. Neither had Phillip Sims as a backup though.

Also, it's been mentioned but AJ passed up Star, it certainly wouldn't be out of line for Phillip to pass up AJ.

The thing I'm confused by here is how some are rather defensive of AJ, yet I barely heard a peep from people when he passed up Star. Star played fine, he was a 4 star (like AJ), yet he was passed up and it didn't seem to warrant a debate. Is that because Star was out of state and AJ is in state?

The other thing is that there was a chorus of "you're basing this on a touch game" then when we pointed out we watched AJ play it's shifted to oh what did he do, then dismiss what we point out.

The fact is we've seen enough of AJ to form an opinion. My opinion is that he's a good, but not great QB. We've also seen enough of Phillip to conclude he's farther ahead (or AJ's farther behind) than we might assume.

Also, let's not avoid the numbers. Phillip was the #2 overall QB by both services. AJ was quite a bit behind. If you go by the Rivals and Scout, AJ was closer to Star than he is to Phillip. But that's just evaluation. Phillip had more TDs and yards before his senior year than AJ had his entire career. Phillip's senior year he had 2938 yards, 33 TDs and only 4 INTs. AJ's senior year he had 1560 and 15 TDs. Mind you of course there are other factors, but Phillip's high school career was very prolific. Had he done that in state I seriously doubt we'd even suggest that AJ has performed close to the level Phillip has.

That's just high school though. But we have high school, we have camps, we have evaluation services, we have AJ's play in college, we have A Day and scrimmage stats, and as importantly we have a head coach that doesn't seem to think we have a clear #1 which is somewhat damning for AJ as it was his job to lose. I've yet to see AJ do markedly better at anything than Phillips, but I can point out a lot of things in which Phillip was either evaluated or performed better.

Now, you can disagree with our conclusions but I've seen both play live and I've seen both from a few feet away. The only thing AJ has going for him over Sims in my opinion is that he's from the state and he has more experience. I hope the starter does well whom ever it is but I also hope the starter is Phillip Sims.

 

[REBELZED]

Besides the butt slapping incident? The Auburn game. No way did I expect him to go out and win the game, but I did expect him to look more prepared.

The other thing is that there was a chorus of "you're basing this on a touch game" then when we pointed out we watched AJ play it's shifted to oh what did he do, then dismiss what we point out.

Now, you can disagree with our conclusions but I've seen both play live and I've seen both from a few feet away. The only thing AJ has going for him over Sims in my opinion is that he's from the state and he has more experience. I hope the starter does well whom ever it is but I also hope the starter is Phillip Sims.

Like I mentioned, IIRC AJ had at least one and I believe two of his 4 passes flat out dropped in the Iron Bowl.

And, besides the Aubren game which was only a few plays in a bad situation, I have yet to see anyone point out anything AJ has done besides what happened at the A Day game I can't recall a time in his game time last year where AJ got the happy feet that he got in the scrimmage. In fact, I thought overall his pocket presence was very good when he played.

I too have watched both QB's in person, AJ in 3 games. I was at A Day.

Also, basing conclusions on recruiting ranks and what the two guys did at two totally different high schools is fairly pointless. The fact that you're reaching that far just goes to show how close this competition really is.

Look, I'm not saying I want AJ to win, I really don't care either way. I'll fully support whichever QB gets the nod, and I believe either one is more than capable. I'm excited to watch the competition. I just think it's more than a little unfair to write a kid (AJ) off largely based on a spring game performance (and one in which he and his counterpart had almost identical performances), which is what a lot of people here seem to be doing

 

[GreatDanish]

Not directed at anyone in particular, but can we all agree to no longer just use "Sims?" I've listed some suggestions:
Blake Sims = "B Sims" or "Blake S"/ Phillip Sims = "P Sims" or "Phillip S"

 

[MVKTR2]

I'm going ahead and putting it out there...

Over the summer coaches Saban & Mc are going to realize the unfathamobalablekable IDEA that playing a vanilla O in game 1 will be okay. Then in Happy Valley Blake Sims gets the nod with a wishbone backfield behind him featuring thick and nasty Fowler @ FB & Richardson/Lacey behind em!!! So yep I'm picking Blake Sims to be our starting QB... stranger things have happened, Mark Ingram started a game or 2 at QB

 

[bamafaninOhiO]

Besides the butt slapping incident? The Auburn game. No way did I expect him to go out and win the game, but I did expect him to look more prepared.

I guess I'm not everyone. I backed JPW over McElroy and then in turn McElroy over everyone else. This is because all things considered I thought they were the right guy to be on the field. Neither had Phillip Sims as a backup though.

Also, it's been mentioned but AJ passed up Star, it certainly wouldn't be out of line for Phillip to pass up AJ.

The thing I'm confused by here is how some are rather defensive of AJ, yet I barely heard a peep from people when he passed up Star. Star played fine, he was a 4 star (like AJ), yet he was passed up and it didn't seem to warrant a debate. Is that because Star was out of state and AJ is in state?

The other thing is that there was a chorus of "you're basing this on a touch game" then when we pointed out we watched AJ play it's shifted to oh what did he do, then dismiss what we point out.

The fact is we've seen enough of AJ to form an opinion. My opinion is that he's a good, but not great QB. We've also seen enough of Phillip to conclude he's farther ahead (or AJ's farther behind) than we might assume.

Also, let's not avoid the numbers. Phillip was the #2 overall QB by both services. AJ was quite a bit behind. If you go by the Rivals and Scout, AJ was closer to Star than he is to Phillip. But that's just evaluation. Phillip had more TDs and yards before his senior year than AJ had his entire career. Phillip's senior year he had 2938 yards, 33 TDs and only 4 INTs. AJ's senior year he had 1560 and 15 TDs. Mind you of course there are other factors, but Phillip's high school career was very prolific. Had he done that in state I seriously doubt we'd even suggest that AJ has performed close to the level Phillip has.

That's just high school though. But we have high school, we have camps, we have evaluation services, we have AJ's play in college, we have A Day and scrimmage stats, and as importantly we have a head coach that doesn't seem to think we have a clear #1 which is somewhat damning for AJ as it was his job to lose. I've yet to see AJ do markedly better at anything than Phillips, but I can point out a lot of things in which Phillip was either evaluated or performed better.

Now, you can disagree with our conclusions but I've seen both play live and I've seen both from a few feet away. The only thing AJ has going for him over Sims in my opinion is that he's from the state and he has more experience. I hope the starter does well whom ever it is but I also hope the starter is Phillip Sims.

you make some great points... But I believe that the leader at this point is still AJ McCarron. If he shows the coaches that he can be a game managing QB, the job is his. Thats what Saban wants from that position, not a game changer.

Also, Coach Saban wouldn't mention if he had a starter in mind right now for any reason...he wants the competition to go into fall. Thats what makes QB's better.
also, we all know that the recruiting services star ratings are more for fans than coaches evaluation of players. for every one that they get right, theres several that are wrong. Its all based on how they handle the pressure, and thats an edge that AJ gets at this point, IMO. Both showed a case of nerves in the spring, greatly due to the knowledge that there being evaluated for that starting position.

I love Philip Sims, and you can see he has talent in abundance. He will have his day, and, possibly could be this season, but in my mind AJ still has the stick towards the starting job for this year. Thats also an opinion based I've seen, and we all have one.

No matter who gets it, I hope we keep both, because to me, there both star QB's in the making.

 

[cmmiller711]

Like I mentioned, IIRC AJ had at least one and I believe two of his 4 passes flat out dropped in the Iron Bowl.

And, besides the Aubren game which was only a few plays in a bad situation, I have yet to see anyone point out anything AJ has done besides what happened at the A Day game I can't recall a time in his game time last year where AJ got the happy feet that he got in the scrimmage. In fact, I thought overall his pocket presence was very good when he played.

I too have watched both QB's in person, AJ in 3 games. I was at A Day.

Also, basing conclusions on recruiting ranks and what the two guys did at two totally different high schools is fairly pointless. The fact that you're reaching that far just goes to show how close this competition really is.

Look, I'm not saying I want AJ to win, I really don't care either way. I'll fully support whichever QB gets the nod, and I believe either one is more than capable. I'm excited to watch the competition. I just think it's more than a little unfair to write a kid (AJ) off largely based on a spring game performance (and one in which he and his counterpart had almost identical performances), which is what a lot of people here seem to be doing

then you are mis-remembering the butt-slapping incident because thats exactly what happened. He panicked and scrambled frantically then just chunked the ball into the endzone. which is how he looked scrambling during the a-day game.

 

[REBELZED]

then you are mis-remembering the butt-slapping incident because thats exactly what happened. He panicked and scrambled frantically then just chunked the ball into the endzone. which is how he looked scrambling during the a-day game.

Actually, AJ had a blitzing LB come up the middle untouched and he avoided the tackle, then slung the ball up into double coverage with a couple guys bearing down on him. That play had absolutely nothing to do with AJ "panicking" or the "happy feet" issue. He actually did very well to get away from the blitz, but it was the tossing the ball into double coverage issue that got Coach fired up...

 

[TideEngineer08]

I haven't commented on this, because there really isn't much I could add that you all haven't pointed out. It's going to be a fiercely competitive battle well into the fall camp and possibly the season. But there is a point I'd like to make, that I don't think has been made in this thread. Someone on another message board said this, and I agree wholeheartedly. On the issue of a possible transfer by the QB that doesn't win the starting job, which some have pointed out would be completely out of left field at this point until after the season: Whatever you do, you don't let Sims be the one that transfers. Yes, McCarron is good. He's got a lot of potential, and overall is probably more talented than JPW and McElroy. But P. Sims has future top 5 NFL draft pick written all over him. He's young, and he's got to develop but the last thing I want to see at this point is Sims going pro from anywhere else other than Alabama. I think he's that good, and I really can't say that about McCarron. They both may prove me wrong, and I'm honestly pulling for both of them.

The QB position is so unique. No one says anything about two Heisman trophy caliber RBs in the same backfield because playing time can be split without losing productivity. I hope neither transfers. I hope they play through their careers here at Alabama to the best of their ability. Its happened many other times at other colleges. USC comes to mind. Sanchez had to wait his turn, and he capitalized when he got it. The same can happen for Sims or McCarron.

 

[CullmanTide]

I haven't commented on this, because there really isn't much I could add that you all haven't pointed out. It's going to be a fiercely competitive battle well into the fall camp and possibly the season. But there is a point I'd like to make, that I don't think has been made in this thread. Someone on another message board said this, and I agree wholeheartedly. On the issue of a possible transfer by the QB that doesn't win the starting job, which some have pointed out would be completely out of left field at this point until after the season: Whatever you do, you don't let Sims be the one that transfers. Yes, McCarron is good. He's got a lot of potential, and overall is probably more talented than JPW and McElroy. But P. Sims has future top 5 NFL draft pick written all over him. He's young, and he's got to develop but the last thing I want to see at this point is Sims going pro from anywhere else other than Alabama. I think he's that good, and I really can't say that about McCarron. They both may prove me wrong, and I'm honestly pulling for both of them.

The QB position is so unique. No one says anything about two Heisman trophy caliber RBs in the same backfield because playing time can be split without losing productivity. I hope neither transfers. I hope they play through their careers here at Alabama to the best of their ability. Its happened many other times at other colleges. USC comes to mind. Sanchez had to wait his turn, and he capitalized when he got it. The same can happen for Sims or McCarron.

I think what we are seeing is the best group of quarterbacks Alabama has had since the Namath, Sloan, Stabler era. They are not that good yet but they are that talented [Well Namath was physically in a class by himself]. Who knows, Blake Sims may turn out to be the best of the bunch. It's going to be fun.

 

[TheAccountant]

then you are mis-remembering the butt-slapping incident because thats exactly what happened. He panicked and scrambled frantically then just chunked the ball into the endzone. which is how he looked scrambling during the a-day game.

Avoiding an untouched linebacker up the middle = happy feet???

Reb has it right

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

For what it's worth, there's an Alabama poster on the AJC board who says he recently worked some event with Gmac, and Greg told him Philip had the far superior spring practice.

FWIW II: Mac is also alleged to have said Auburn was the dirtiest team against which he's ever played.

 

[CullmanTide]

For what it's worth, there's an Alabama poster on the AJC board who says he recently worked some event with Gmac, and Greg told him Philip had the far superior spring practice.

FWIW II: Mac is also alleged to have said Auburn was the dirtiest team against which he's ever played.

Please don't take this as a slight but neither comment sounds like Greg.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

For what it's worth, there's an Alabama poster on the AJC board who says he recently worked some event with Gmac, and Greg told him Philip had the far superior spring practice.

FWIW II: Mac is also alleged to have said Auburn was the dirtiest team against which he's ever played.

Did he post that on the board or was that a private remark?

 

[Airborne Tider]

I know I'm a little late but I was COMPLETELY open to whoever the coaches though could win games for us and from what I have seen, I believe Phillip is the better QB. Just my opinion. No slight to AJ because he is also very good but I think Sims is better.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

Please don't take this as a slight but neither comment sounds like Greg.

CT: No slight whatsoever. The comment was by a frequent Alabama poster on that board, who seems to have good sources and comports himself right well. Just reporting what he said.

 

[jps1983]

I know I'm a little late but I was COMPLETELY open to whoever the coaches though could win games for us and from what I have seen, I believe Phillip is the better QB. Just my opinion. No slight to AJ because he is also very good but I think Sims is better.

It definitely looks close. I think it comes down to this summer. I know it's kind of a 'duh' statement, but the race is so close that the one who puts in more work this summer is probably going to look better come fall camp. Watching the replay, Sims was over his head at first and re-grouped (good mental focus); but he also was late on some throws (game too fast for him still maybe?). I'm looking forward to reading about pass skel's this summer.

 

[bamacon]

I know I'm a little late but I was COMPLETELY open to whoever the coaches though could win games for us and from what I have seen, I believe Phillip is the better QB. Just my opinion. No slight to AJ because he is also very good but I think Sims is better.

I'm starting to get a serious vibe that PS is winning this contest.

 

[CapstoneTider]

We also said this time about three or four years ago that Fanuzi was the future and wondered when Greg would transfer.

We are a long way from seeing the end of the battle, but it's in our nature to make determinations from where we are at this instance. I want to see both of these QB's making their case in the first two games of the season, not after a tag football game with no pressure of getting drilled.

How this will turn out is a flip of the coin right now.

 

[GreatDanish]

We also said this time about three or four years ago that Fanuzi was the future and wondered when Greg would transfer.

I agree with the sentiment, but I personally don't remember anyone thinking Fanuzzi was the future, wondering when Greg would transfer. Maybe I am just completely forgetting. In fact, I remember many were actually kind of bummed that we "traded" Robert Marve for Fanuzzi.

 

[CapstoneTider]

I agree with the sentiment, but I personally don't remember anyone thinking Fanuzzi was the future, wondering when Greg would transfer. Maybe I am just completely forgetting. In fact, I remember many were actually kind of bummed that we "traded" Robert Marve for Fanuzzi.

It was Fannuzi, Greg and Star......Greg being the upperclassman of the two.

The majority opinion of the board on July 10th 2008 was that Star Jackson would inevitable surpass both Greg and Fannuzi. I read a spring practice report I believe by JessN that Sophomore GMAC was being outplayed by Redshirt Frosh Fannuzi, that he had a much better arm, and that Greg was struggling.

This is a direct quote from someone that I found through the channels. This was the majority opinion from what I remember. Then the rumors of Greg leaving started shortly after spring practice, and then that he was staying because of his girlfriend.

July 10, 2008, 08:33:40 PM

I agree with Cap.....Sorry.....I mean OTR (May take a while to get used to your new handle)!! From the reports I'm getting, Jackson is tearing up the 7 on 7's....which makes me believe he is doing a lot better than Fanuzzi or McElroy since I have not heard anything about them. And from all accounts (this is just hearsay) that Jackson will be the quarterback of the future. If this is the case then the coaches will give him some playing time so he wouldn't be thrown into the fire next year with no experience. I do agree that he does need to bulk up though! Other than that....I hear he has great touch on the ball and is very accurate.

Greg staying showed a lot of people that it's never over until the fat lady sings.


Wilson started of course, and Greg earned second string. The next year and 1/2 Fannuzi and Star both transferred and the rest is history.