Alabama Football: On talent, performance and midseason All-Americans

There is no shortage of talent on the Alabama Football roster. Whatever the number of recruiting misses there have been in recent years, recruiting successes far outnumber them. That apparent talent in every season’s new Crimson Tide players is, at the beginning of their college careers, mostly an indication of potential.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is fortunate many of its arriving freshmen can make quick contributions. Sometimes, they catapult themselves into key roles and have a rapid rise to stardom. Mostly, incoming players need time to learn, develop physically and mentally, and establish the work ethic required to be championship-quality players.

So far in 2021, the Alabama Football team has needed better performance in multiple position groups. The offensive line, secondary, defensive line and inside linebackers are the player groups most often viewed as needing more consistent performance. The wide receiver group is not far behind.

Because of injuries, similar weaknesses can be seen at outside linebacker and at least in terms of depth, also with the running backs. Except for Bryce Young at QB and the tight ends, Crimson Tide first units have not consistently performed at a championship level.

Some Alabama football fans are sure the problems are either poor coaching or the wrong players as starters. Not subject to reasonable debate, is the Alabama Football staff plays the players it believes will best do their position group jobs consistently.

Many Crimson Tide fans remain unconvinced the staff is using its two best tackles. Sophomore Damieon George Jr and freshman J.C. Latham are often mentioned for being more physical players. Given that Chris Owens performed better at center last season (after Landon Dickerson was injured) some Tide fans believe Darrian Dalcourt is the ‘fifth’ lineman that should not be starting.

There is frustration that highly regarded wide receivers from the last two signing classes see mostly special teams’ action. Pass drops this season fuel this concern. With too many communication issues in the secondary, fans are thinking Kool-Aid McKinstry or possibly Terrion Arnold should be used.

Most Tide fans have no interest in trying to out-think Nick Saban. That pass does not automatically extend to Saban’s Offensive and Defensive Coordinators. All such debate over coaching errors and failures should be engaged in while remembering Nick Saban controls everything about the Crimson Tide program. He helps coach the secondary but his position group engagement does not end there. Certainly, he can’t call every play. But the schemes used by the Tide and the tactics taught are totally under Saban’s control.

Rather than doubting the Crimson Tide staff, let’s consider a counterpoint that applies to the offense. Last season, five Crimson Tide offensive players made the AP All-American team. Alex Leatherwood won the Outland Trophy. Landon Dickerson won the Remington Trophy. Najee Harris won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best back. Mac Jones won the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas quarterback awards. DeVonta Smith won the Heisman and four other major awards. All five players were Consensus All-Americans.

Alabama Football and All-Americans

ESPN recently published its midseason All-American team. Two Crimson Tide offensive players were selected; Bryce Young and Evan Neal. Considering the 2020 level of talent that had to be replaced, the 2021 offense cannot be compared. At least not fairly, six games into the season.

The Crimson Tide offense needs time to get better. The schedule now gives it time. It will improve with practice and repetition. December is off in the distance. Some patience is required, along with hope the Tide defense can make similar improvements.