Defense wins championships right? That is the impression Nick Saban coached teams always leave and will likely leave this year. The defense continued to excite fans in a game that was riddled with quarterback miscues.
The spread offense that it seen so often in today's college football has recently gotten a step ahead of the tough Crimson Tide defense. Alabama has now recruited and researched enough to handle anything thrown at them.
So who were the winners and losers on defense from Saturday's A-Day game?
Defense
Defensive Line
The group that stood out the most defensively on Saturday was the defensive line. Last year, the guys up front failed to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt plays. This is a key element in slowing down any offense especially ones that you see Auburn, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss run. Sophomore Jonathan Allen and junior college transfer DJ Pettway were awarded Co-MVP awards at the A-Day game. Pettway scored the first touchdown of the game off an interception. Allen finished with 6 tackles and 2 sacks. Speed, strength, and depth have improved up front with players like Jarran Reed, A'Shawn Robinson, Dalvin Tomilson, Darren Lake, Dee Liner, Xzavier Dickson, and many more. The defensive line was not only the most impressive group on defense, but also the most impressive group overall.
Linebackers
Although the defensive line was impressive at A-Day, the linebacking corps was equally as impressive. Trey Depriest was called upon to fill the shoes of the departing All-American and Butkus Award winner CJ Mosley. He has done well so far. Depriest finished with 7 tackles just behind Reggie Ragland who finished with 10. Ragland made the biggest splash at linebacker and showed his improvement in the off-season. Tim Williams and Dillion Lee also stepped up big in the spring game with a combined 14 tackles. The linebacking corps has experience, but also has a few young guys that will have to make an impact. It should be no challenge for these talented players to dominate on defense.
Secondary
The secondary was one of the biggest concerns coming into the day. Eddie Jackson suffered a knee injury during a scrimmage that caused him to miss the rest of spring practice. Maurice Smith, Geno Smith, Bradley Sylve, Cyrus Jones, and true freshman Tony Brown are all guys who are going to have to improve as the season draws closer. Brown wore a non-contact jersey due to a shoulder injury. This did not stop him from being the most aggressive guy on the field. All players have potential, but have not quite reached their peak yet. Veterans Landon Collins, Jarrick Williams, and Nick Perry will help cover some of the ground left by the younger guys. Overall, the coverage skills are there, but receivers are still getting open down field. It impossible to be perfect every play, but Saban does not know that. The players have a tough time playing under him. Saban will develop them into one of the best units in the SEC.
No comments:
Post a Comment