Who’s leading QB1 race in Spring practice?

[davefrat]

I don't think that "kind" of team can win at the highest level anymore. What happens when you can't run it in a game or two and you don't have an elite passer??? That's the kind of formula we used with GMac. Worked then, but the game has changed. Drastically IMO.

"Oh, but Georgia did it." Not really. Give credit where credit is due but that little squirt became a dart thrower!

Not saying Milroe can't become an elite passer...just that I want an elite passer and an elite run game. Need both!

Whether anyone likes it or not, Thurston Howell III was an elite college passer last season.

 

[gtgilbert]

I suspect if Saban didn't think Milroe could make the step, he would have told him to transfer.

I don't think Saban would want Milroe to transfer if he was going to be the #2 simply because the backup would then be a true freshman and Saban would value the experience. I think he'd advise Milroe to look at the path Hurts took, where he stayed and worked hard on development, then transferred for his final year.

 

[PA Tide Fan]

Here is a nugget to contemplate:

Nick Saban Sends Interesting Message on QB Room: 'We're Not Disappointed in Anyone's Progress'

Nick Saban used interesting phrasing when discussing Alabama's quarterback room.

heavy.com

I think Saban is trying not to shatter either players confidence right now because he feels he'll need both of them. His statement that they are both making progress is a safe noncommittal statement but perhaps one is making better progress than the other. Based upon the leaks from camp right now I'd say advantage Milroe but we'll see what A-Day brings.

 

[bamaslammer]

I hope the QB race doesn’t extend on into the season. If we get into the situation of one getting jerked because of a big mistake they will both play scare… not good.

I'm pretty sure if Ty or Jalen were Tom Brady level passing Saban would downplay it till the fall. Unfortunately the "let them decide it on the field" thing has cost us some games early in the season. The 2015 season was the worst, not sure how Saban ever thought Cooper Bateman was even a candidate to start yet he went back and forth with Coker until Bateman killed us against Ole Miss. That loss put us behind them all season and were it not for a red sea splitting level miracle we would have never recovered from that loss.

On the other hand in my opinion the Young injury cost us the season last year. He only missed one game but he didn't start playing well until it was too late. If we'd had a more viable #2 I wonder if more weeks of rest could have salvaged the season, but the performance by Milro against A&M pretty much nixed that idea.

 

[BamaMoon]

It's become an art to hear what CNS says and to interpret what it means.

What I'm interpreting from what CNS has said (and a comment from someone who saw the last scrimmage) is that Jalen Milroe has really improved. It sounds like he's worked his butt off during the off season and now he's getting no less than 50% of the reps in practice.

I consider this to be really good news AND his improvement is only going to push Ty Simpson, who most believe has an "arm talent" advantage. If that's the case, considering JM's time in the program and impressive running skills, it sounds like we genuinely have a QB race with two guys that can play winning football.

If such is close to accurate, whether we like it or not, this sounds like it could really stretch into fall camp and possibly into the early part of the season.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I don't think that "kind" of team can win at the highest level anymore. What happens when you can't run it in a game or two and you don't have an elite passer??? That's the kind of formula we used with GMac. Worked then, but the game has changed. Drastically IMO.

"Oh, but Georgia did it." Not really. Give credit where credit is due but that little squirt became a dart thrower!

Not saying Milroe can't become an elite passer...just that I want an elite passer and an elite run game. Need both!

I think just as much credit (possibly more) needs to go to their offensive staff that deals with the QB and the playcalling. They put the QB in the best position for him to succeed based on his talents, which is what good coaches do. A bad offensive coordinator can make the best of QBs look "just good" and make a good quarterback look bad. They knew Bennett's strengths and weaknesses and also knew the strengths of their positional players and called plays accordingly. It also really, really helps when your offensive line isn't haven't problems either.

 

[BamaMoon]

I think just as much credit (possibly more) needs to go to their offensive staff that deals with the QB and the playcalling. They put the QB in the best position for him to succeed based on his talents, which is what good coaches do. A bad offensive coordinator can make the best of QBs look "just good" and make a good quarterback look bad. They knew Bennett's strengths and weaknesses and also knew the strengths of their positional players and called plays accordingly. It also really, really helps when your offensive line isn't haven't problems either.

And you've got elite tight ends!

It was really a perfect storm of coaching, players, execution and, as you say, a QB who was used according to his potential. Plus, the experience he had from being in the program for what seemed like 8 or 10 years.

 

[gtgilbert]

We had balance with Mac and Tua at QB. Najee was a beast.

Believe it or not, in 2022 we had a higher rushing yardage per game that in 2020 with Najee (195.5/gm versus 183.6/gm) even though in 2020 we had more attempts per game (35.2/game in 22 v 36.6/gm in 20). Our 2020 passing game was simply off the charts good.

Balance in the modern game can also refer to the types of passes we call, where some passes are really like extensions of the run game, and we are balancing out distributing the ball across all areas of the field, instead of the heavy reliance on the deeper passing game that BOB had.

I think the run the ball better also means that if we need 3 yards, we can line up and get 3 yards...

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Believe it or not, in 2022 we had a higher rushing yardage per game that in 2020 with Najee (195.5/gm versus 183.6/gm) even though in 2020 we had more attempts per game (35.2/game in 22 v 36.6/gm in 20). Our 2020 passing game was simply off the charts good.

Balance in the modern game can also refer to the types of passes we call, where some passes are really like extensions of the run game, and we are balancing out distributing the ball across all areas of the field, instead of the heavy reliance on the deeper passing game that BOB had.

I think the run the ball better also means that if we need 3 yards, we can line up and get 3 yards...

We did more with the rushing yards in 2020 than in 2022. Maybe not the best example, but it's like the difference between rushing yards during trash time and when it matters. We didn't get the rushing yards in 2022 when it mattered as we did in 2020. Granted, the offensive line's performance had a lot to do with that as well.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

I think Saban is trying not to shatter either players confidence right now because he feels he'll need both of them. His statement that they are both making progress is a safe noncommittal statement but perhaps one is making better progress than the other. Based upon the leaks from camp right now I'd say advantage Milroe but we'll see what A-Day brings.

I don't think that's quite accurate. I think Saban is being honest about the player's developments in the spring camp. They are actually improving week by week and Saban is seeing progress from both of the QBs.

They’ve also had learning opportunities and they’ve made mistakes. Both of them have responded very well and made improvements so there’s really no, I don’t have an evaluation other than the fact we’re coaching every one of the four quarterbacks that we have in the program every day to try to help them be the best players they can be. We’re going to continue to do that and hopefully, those guys will continue to have the right attitude about trying to play winning football at the position.”

Of Course Milroe is leading the 1s with the team, but Simpson is getting reps as well. Both are getting 50/50, so really, both have real good chance. What really matters the most is the summer workout, chemistry with WRs/TE heading into fall camp. If Milroe is leading 1s a week before the 1st game, then we know by then.

NO matter what happens this spring, I don't see either transferring out until after the season. Milroe will return for his 3rd year. Simpson returns for 2nd year. So if Simpson didn't win out this year, I can see him starting by end of the season. Everything is game by game, and it depends on lot of factors.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

We did more with the rushing yards in 2020 than in 2022. Maybe not the best example, but it's like the difference between rushing yards during trash time and when it matters. We didn't get the rushing yards in 2022 when it mattered as we did in 2020. Granted, the offensive line's performance had a lot to do with that as well.

I thought Saban explained the reason behind the offense last year. The offense was more suited to Young than the run game. Nevertheless, the OL underperformed until later in the year.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Believe it or not, in 2022 we had a higher rushing yardage per game that in 2020 with Najee (195.5/gm versus 183.6/gm)

I think the run the ball better also means that if we need 3 yards, we can line up and get 3 yards...

Amen to that last part.

I think the 2022 rushing stats were highly misleading in that we had a few long runs, and a ton of stuffs.

Turned 3rd and 3 or shorter against SEC competition into passing downs. Flat-out embarrassing.

So as you point out, the gross numbers really weren’t all that bad. That doesn’t mean the run game was anything approaching reliable….especially against non-directional school opponents.

 

[davefrat]

Amen to that last part.

I think the 2022 rushing stats were highly misleading in that we had a few long runs, and a ton of stuffs.

Turned 3rd and 3 or shorter against SEC competition into passing downs. Flat-out embarrassing.

So as you point out, the gross numbers really weren’t all that bad. That doesn’t mean the run game was anything approaching reliable….especially against non-directional school opponents.

Seems to my untrained eye that the running game last season may have been better had BoB utilized two backs more often with Gibbs splitting out as a receiver.

He was incredibly explosive to be sure, but he was never a consistent (or dare I say even credible) threat to pound the ball up the gut.

Gibbs benefitted more from his one year at Bama than the team did.

That's no knock on the kid, and maybe injuries and an inconsistent O-line meant we didn't have the guys available early on to have an inside running game.

It also seems that an O-line can benefit when they're blocking for someone who can run people over, and Gibbs was never going to be that kind of masher.

I wish him all the best at the next level.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Seems to my untrained eye that the running game last season may have been better had BoB utilized two backs more often with Gibbs splitting out as a receiver.

He was incredibly explosive to be sure, but he was never a consistent (or dare I say even credible) threat to pound the ball up the gut.

Gibbs benefitted more from his one year at Bama than the team did.

That's no knock on the kid, and maybe injuries and an inconsistent O-line meant we didn't have the guys available early on to have an inside running game.

It also seems that an O-line can benefit when they're blocking for someone who can run people over, and Gibbs was never going to be that kind of masher.

I wish him all the best at the next level.

He is probably the second most coveted back in the NFL draft behind the kid from Texas.

 

[davefrat]

He is probably the second most coveted back in the NFL draft behind the kid from Texas.

And probably would not have been had he stayed with the Ramblin' Wreck if for no other reason that he wouldn't have received the same weekly media attention.

Hopefully that's not lost on others considering a potential transfer to Bama.

Just look at JaMo...went from the bench to the first round in one season.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Regarding Gibbs - he's a great back, explosive, but seems to lack the power needed to avoid early tackles.

 

[Ledsteplin]

We had balance with Mac and Tua at QB. Najee was a beast.

He was a beast. But we also had a great OL. And we should have one this year. Or greatly improved anyway over 2021 and 2022. The freshmen look real good. Hopefully they can add depth.

 

[davefrat]

Regarding Gibbs - he's a great back, explosive, but seems to lack the power needed to avoid early tackles.

View attachment 33075

That actually may be less of any issue in the pros than in college considering the way players like Gibbs are utilized in the NFL these days. Or maybe because off the way he was utilized by BoB last year.

 

[CoolBreeze]

Regarding Gibbs - he's a great back, explosive, but seems to lack the power needed to avoid early tackles.

View attachment 33075

Nice chart but stats lie. That's why the NFL evaluators whiff so much...put too much into the numbers. At the end of the day one's intuition is a more accurate gauge that relying on numbers and their inherent bias. Bijan and Jahmyr are 1A and 1B in my book but would take Gibbs by a nose. Dude can bring it.

 

[davefrat]

Nice chart but stats lie. That's why the NFL evaluators whiff so much...put too much into the numbers. At the end of the day one's intuition is a more accurate gauge that relying on numbers and their inherent bias. Bijan and Jahmyr are 1A and 1B in my book but would take Gibbs by a nose. Dude can bring it.

I think it's hard to compare Gibbs and Robinson because they are so different. If a team wants a between the tackles type runner, then it's Robinson...if they want a dynamic threat out of the backfield it's Gibbs.