🏈 A-day review: Well We've Seen The QB's; What Say RTB ?

[footballer]

To me, watching on tv, it looked much like all the past spring games under Coach Saban. I would be willing to bet a dollar to a doughnut that Coach Kiffin could choose any of the four qbs that played Saturday, work with any of them, prepare them as the starter and have at least a 98% chance of winning the National Championship again this year. The coaching staff does not look for a Tom Brady, a Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson or any other great qb you can think of. The are looking for knowledge of the game, a level head and leadership. Did the coaches see any of the qualities they were looking for Saturday and all the other practices this spring? We will all find out who has impressed the most and also find out what all our play makers can do when we suit up for So. Cal.

 

[bradenob]

I more than understand this... Wasn't expecting RG3 at Baylor numbers. Just hoping for a competent QB performance and maybe a few nice third down conversions. Qbs looked horrendous today regardless of how many excuses, reasons, jive you want to come up with

Remember the sum of the reasons - vanilla offense, no Cam Rob, no Shank (for better or worse), RP at center (although that seemed to be fine). Bateman had two strikes dropped, both by Ridley? Going against an EXCELLENT defense (although J Allen didn't suit up). Cornwell looked terrible, but the others had good plays. Bateman will be fine. Overall it wasn't bad, TS.

 

[OldPlayer]

I don't understand and have never understood one simple fact. A guy like Jacob Eason can come into a program like Ugag and look the part of being the future as a true frosh. We get a guy like BB8 and he seems to have a very similar skill set and he develops so slowly within our program. Same thing with Josh Rosen and UCLA last year. It would just be nice to get one of these supposed 5-star guys to come into our program and deliver soon enough that it's not a one and done kind of situation and we have a known commodity coming into the season. Now, on the other hand, I wouldn't trade the success we have had for this one known commodity but it seems like it would be nice to have.

Rosen was "thrown" into the lead because they had nothing. While he had some high stat games, he also made a lot of stupid mistakes. How many games did they win and against who (8-5, 5-4 in the conference so you don't have to look it up)? Eason looked good in their Spring game because the defense wasn't scheming against him. It was only a scrimmage where the defense is only allowed a portion of the defensive schemes. Wait until the end of September before you christen anyone.

 

[T&B]

I had a chance to re-watch ADay tonight, and after further review I'd be willing to say that BB8 actually looked better than I thought he did. When he got his feet set, and got the ball out it looked really good. The problem, like has been mentioned all spring was some of the poor decisions he made. Thats gonna be something that will really hurt his chances if he doesnt clean it up by fall no matter how talented he is.

I also took some time to slow-mo through his release, and watch his mechanics. While different, I really couldnt pin point anything that would hinder him moving forward. It looks repeatable, and honestly he was getting the ball out much quicker than I thought he could after watching the practice vids.

Once again after rewatching I still feel like Hurts was more poised, and more dangerous. BB8 showed great promise. I would be happy if either one found a way to beat out Bateman this fall.

 

[TerryP]

Side note - From the 4 QB's stats I saw on the previous page, they completed 50% of passes. 34/68. I'd like to know how many of those 34 were for more than 5 yards... Anyway

I didn't look at the previous page for the numbers. I pulled those from ABC 33/40's website/article.

If we only looked at the finished product, this site wouldn't be cool. Reason we all come here is to talk sh*t, evaluate, argue, agree on opinions about Alabama football... You like to give compliments to the A-Day defense and some of the newcomers, and rightfully so... Those of us who would like to evaluate the QB position are just pointing out there is more negative than positive in a 4 quarter scrimmage.... I don't see how that's any different than what you're doing at other positions. Point is - If we all only looked and talked about the finished product, Alabama football wouldn't be alabama football. What makes it great is the energy, enthusiasm, and borderline craziness of every single thing associated with the program.

Hence the reason I've said "we all look at things from different perspectives." When it comes to the QB position, "I choose" to look at the finished product. If you were to ask those who've known me for awhile they'll tell you, to a man, that I've always been one that has said, "Hold on. You're jumping to premature conclusions."

I think what you may be missing here is I look at each position differently when it comes to scrimmages like this past one. As example, the difference between where Pierschbacher is now versus where Kelly was last year at the same point when it came to blocking Bama's defensive tackles. Right now, it's my opinion the offensive line—specifically center—is more developed than it was a year ago.

Obviously, None of this is news to you, you've always been a good sport that's why I like going back and fourth with you. More times than not you get it right. I just cannot see how outside of some of Hurts plays, anyone could be encouraged by the QB development of the other 3 at this point

And when have I been wrong? :devil:

Seriously. When it comes to fellow fans and their opinions I've maintained I don't look at those as being right or wrong. It's another Bama fans opinion. (I will take issue with those stating things as facts, versus observations, but I digress.)

I really hate the use of the word "sources." Hate, is putting it mildly due to the word being overused so often. But I will for this purpose. I've got guys telling me things that differ from what others have heard. My friends have made mistakes, as have I, but I've never really concerned myself with who was right or wrong. Again, finished product, right?

My opinion on where the team is isn't primarily based on what Saban has said, but it's largely based on his comment the other day about "the offense has a chance to be very good this season." He wasn't saying "very good with Bateman." Or, "very good with ______ ." Having watched Saban closely for going on 16 years now it tells me one thing. He's pleased with the progression the quarterbacks are making.

That's good enough for me.

I enjoy seeing different points of view even if I don't agree with them. Believe you me, there are things I don't like on message forums (IE: pissing contests.) But, "arguments/debates" over opinions? Nah. Not my thing.

 

[TerryP]

How many games did they win and against who (8-5, 5-4 in the conference so you don't have to look it up)?

Two of those against Non P5 AQ's, as I recall.

 

[Max]

From another site's beat writer.

I thought what we saw from the offense Saturday was basically an unintended tribute to the work Kiffin has done the last two years.

Not just in terms of managing the game for the quarterbacks, but also building in easy touches for playmakers like Cooper, Ridley, etc ...

Again, think about some of the mainstays of this offense play design and play call-wise the past few years and think about how little we saw of those on A-Day.

That was basically LSU's offense on Saturday: running game gets stuffed and QB is asked to win the game by making NFL throws.

Yes, someone needs to emerge at QB. But regardless of who it is, we're still going to see the quarterback-friendly approach we've seen the last few years.

With explosive plays a simple handoff or flip away, why wouldn't we?

 

[jdpas29]

i mentioned before that pass protection would be my main concern with this team due to new positions for OL guys and not quite as much experience as we're used to up front. After seeing the number of sacks from A-Day (yes i know they aren't actual sacks and they're also playing against one of the best D-lines in the country), it is still my main concern for the team.

 

[bamafan4ever]

Rosen was "thrown" into the lead because they had nothing. While he had some high stat games, he also made a lot of stupid mistakes. How many games did they win and against who (8-5, 5-4 in the conference so you don't have to look it up)? Eason looked good in their Spring game because the defense wasn't scheming against him. It was only a scrimmage where the defense is only allowed a portion of the defensive schemes. Wait until the end of September before you christen anyone.

I am not christening anyone. Just a guess.

 

[Tidestalker]

I didn't look at the previous page for the numbers. I pulled those from ABC 33/40's website/article.

Good... Then you see on your source that it's was 34/68.... 50%. lol

The one thing I know from watching Saban for 10 years.... He's a coach first and foremost and so acting comes with the job. He's not always going to tell the truth. Doesn't mean he's going to lie, but he's going to do what's best for the team even if that means avoiding the truth. Saying "Bateman stunk it up today" (which he did) does nothing for his team... His job is to put those guys in the best position possible to be successful and beating a QB down who has yet to show he can play at this level is not a good idea. He knows this. He knows how to use & manipulate the media to turn things in his favor (sometimes he will act mad about smallest issue or act content after a loss). That's why I, like you, pick and chose what to take from those pressers. Long story short - Even if the QB position is dog sh*t, he's not going to come out and say it.

 

[OldPlayer]

I had a chance to re-watch ADay tonight, and after further review I'd be willing to say that BB8 actually looked better than I thought he did. When he got his feet set, and got the ball out it looked really good. The problem, like has been mentioned all spring was some of the poor decisions he made. Thats gonna be something that will really hurt his chances if he doesnt clean it up by fall no matter how talented he is.

I also took some time to slow-mo through his release, and watch his mechanics. While different, I really couldnt pin point anything that would hinder him moving forward. It looks repeatable, and honestly he was getting the ball out much quicker than I thought he could after watching the practice vids.

Once again after rewatching I still feel like Hurts was more poised, and more dangerous. BB8 showed great promise. I would be happy if either one found a way to beat out Bateman this fall.

I've been watching several highlight videos and I noticed that the QBs weren't changing plays at the LOS much, if at all. I'm sure this was part of Saban's plan to not give away any tendencies, but it brings into play ALL the QBs decision making at the LOS. In short, we didn't see much. This will be worked on in Summer and Fall, but the QB who best makes those decisions will be a front runner.

 

[TerryP]

Good... Then you see on your source that it's was 34/68.... 50%. lol

My major at UA was from New College; Writing for Telecommunication and Film. I didn't have to take any core classes. So, to "sum" that up ... math isn't my forte. :bandhead:

Even if the QB position is dog sh*t, he's not going to come out and say it.

In the same light, he's not going to say "the offense has a chance to be really good" if Bateman was "dog shit."

Put me on record. Cooper gets the nod and continues to through the season.

 

[TerryP]

Just an opinion here...well, not even that, it's a thought I haven't been able to shake for the last several years.

We know there were only four sets, and within those less than 10 plays called last Saturday. We didn't see any of the stuff we saw last season, or in 2014, when it came to the offense and their staple plays.

I've entertained this thought and have become more and more convinced that Saban uses these situations to almost bait the quarterback looking to see who, and where, the bad decisions come from.

 

[UAgrad93]

I have to agree with you @TerryP, running the same 8-10 plays really limits the QB. I think it is just another test by Saban to see how each QB responds to adversity and how he deals with it. Does the light "flip on" and the QB gain trust in his pocket? Does he get rid of the ball instead of taking a sack? Does he trust his progression or tuck and run? When in doubt, does he tuck it and get what he can or chunk it up and hope for the best?

 

[TerryP]

Does he trust his progression or tuck and run? When in doubt, does he tuck it and get what he can or chunk it up and hope for the best?

There's the reason I have used the term "pocket presence" with Jalen.

 

[Tidestalker]

Just an opinion here...well, not even that, it's a thought I haven't been able to shake for the last several years.

We know there were only four sets, and within those less than 10 plays called last Saturday. We didn't see any of the stuff we saw last season, or in 2014, when it came to the offense and their staple plays.

I've entertained this thought and have become more and more convinced that Saban uses these situations to almost bait the quarterback looking to see who, and where, the bad decisions come from.

Even if true, what does this have to do with QB's throwing inaccurate passes? Which was the case for much of the afternoon

(I didn't get to read much post game stuff - Did Kiffin/Saban say anything about only running 8-10 plays? Obviously it was watered down, regardless)

 

[UAgrad93]

Even if true, what does this have to do with QB's throwing inaccurate passes? Which was the case for much of the afternoon

(I didn't get to read much post game stuff - Did Kiffin/Saban say anything about only running 8-10 plays? Obviously it was watered down, regardless)

QBs start looking at the oncoming rush and simply sling it in the general area. Sometimes, WRs think they see zone and QB sees man and vice versa, makes for ugly passes. Think back to Coker trying to "sit" Ridley down in the Red Zone late against Clemson in the Natty. Ridley kept running through obvious zone when he should have set in an open space. The throw ended up looking horrible and behind him.
Kiffin and or Saban ever only says that things were limited. You never saw any of the formations or plays used in the Natty for big gainers. Part of the reason was to keep blockers off of defenders knees. The other, don't show your hand 4 months before the season. make your opponent sift though 15 tapes of game film.

 

[TerryP]

Did Kiffin/Saban say anything about only running 8-10 plays?

No. I counted.

 

[Tidestalker]

No. I counted.

Alrighty then.

Did you feel like the D ran the whole playbook? Or more basic coverages/blitzes?

 

[T&B]

Hurts managed to lead all QB's in completions, yards, TD's, and rushing yards while not having any pocket presence yet... and IF true this is a bad thing ?

First, I dont agree that he does not have pocket presence. It appeared to me that he has a lot of confidence in his legs, and knew he could extend plays by either moving the pocket, or flat out running. This had a much better result than the others that simply got pressured to the point of inaccuracy all day in the pocket. I think he was choosing the smart option. I want to remind everyone that TWO of Hurts drives were stalled due to factors beyond his control.

1. Cam Sims went out of bounds and came back to catch a perfectly thrown ball from Hurts that would have continued a good drive. Was called incomplete because Sims had gone OB before the catch.

2. Hurts was whistled down because someone got a finger on him during one of his runs for a first down. That tackle would never have been close if they were playing full contact. (this actually happened several times during the game to my dismay)

When you have a QB like Russell Wilson (probably the best comparison to Hurts), Cam Newton, Johnny Football, D. Watson, Mariotta, etc., etc., who cares if they have a hair trigger in the pocket if they are rushing for 70 - 100 yards per game, and those 70 - 100 yards are moving the chains, and gassing the opposing defense ? This is the only way any team has been able to beat Bama over the years, and this is the way that Watson almost beat Bama in the title game. Bama D was so gassed from chasing Watson all night that he was able to move through our D with almost no resistance in the fourth quarter.

This is exactly what we should hope Hurts does. Not like Bateman who is too timid to tuck and run. When Bama plays a dangerous mobile QB like the ones listed above is it not the gameplan to keep them in the pocket ? I'm positive it has been. Defensive coordinators seem to agree that they would much rather try to cover the pass than let a mobile QB scramble around extending drives because it simply destroys a defenses will/ability to compete for 4 quarters.

If D coordinators are picking their poison its gonna be pocket passer over true mobile QB every time. Especially at the college level. A QB than can throw and run simply destroys college defenses. How did Bama D match up vs pocket passer connor/Michigan State ? Now how did that same dominant D match up vs Clem/Watson ?

Hurts extending plays with his legs is the equivalent of body blows in a boxing match. They dont kill you in the first few rounds, but toward the end of the fight youre toast. I dont think it was a lack of knowing what to do that led to him leaving the pocket early... I think it was a product of good things happening when he left the pocket. His TD pass was on a roll-out.

You want a true mobile QB with Hurts talent and speed to run early and often. I can promise opposing D-coordinators want him to stay in the pocket.