🏈 Bama A-Day reveals how tight QB race is

[BAMANEWSBOT]

TUSCALOOSA – OK, so maybe the quarterback race really IS that close at Alabama.

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[RollTideRandy]

I *thought* the race was tight because both QBs were looking so "good", but after watching the A-Day game, I'm not sure that is the case. Now before Terry starts throwing stats at me, let me say that I know what the stats were. However, when I watch a game, I know the difference between dumping the ball off on a two yard pass to Trent Richardson and having the running back run for 23 yards versus completing a pass that actually flew threw the air for 23 yards. I saw very few passes completed down the field and the problem we had last year where we are a little too quick to dump it off to the running back appears to presist. The running game looks good, but I'm concerned about our passing attack for this season.

 

[TheChief]

My prediction: Phillip Sims starts the opening game.

 

[PyroNismo2000]

Sims Looked like the better QB yesterday

 

[JoshB]

Both looked equally as good, and obviously they both looked best when they were with the 1st team offense. McCarron had a few gorgeous over the shoulder throws and i was surprised by his touch. Sims has a damn cannon, he was zinging in throws between several defenders. Both had some drops from their receivers (mostly with the 2nd team) and they both showed more mobility then I figured they would have.

 

[joeman546]

Sims Looked like the better QB yesterday

Very very good, in his mechanics and his ability to not take sacks. The anticiparion he showed over the middle is soomeothing you like to see out of NFL QBs.Gotta say that McCarron has a better longball, but Sims looks like a first rounder in the making.

 

[Hoos4Tide]

I *thought* the race was tight because both QBs were looking so "good", but after watching the A-Day game, I'm not sure that is the case. Now before Terry starts throwing stats at me, let me say that I know what the stats were. However, when I watch a game, I know the difference between dumping the ball off on a two yard pass to Trent Richardson and having the running back run for 23 yards versus completing a pass that actually flew threw the air for 23 yards. I saw very few passes completed down the field and the problem we had last year where we are a little too quick to dump it off to the running back appears to presist. The running game looks good, but I'm concerned about our passing attack for this season.

Agreed. I thought the receivers played very very well yesterday making the QBs look better than they were. They have a long way to go, but I think every one of the talking heads that keep saying these QBs are both for real are right, they have the proverbial "tremendous upside" that everyone talks about, IMO.

 

[bamaupsman]

I thought Sims looked better. More poise in the pocket. Made an incredible throw across hos body in the 3rd. If he continues at this rate, he'll pass McCarron over the summer.

 

[LBS]

I'm reminded of those rare times when we have faced a team who's depth allowed them to work it all the way down to making our QB beat us. These are the teams that determine whether we finish 10-2 or 14-0. So I asked myself 'which of these QBs do I feel can put the team on their back and beat an LSU or Florida", and frankly I don't feel strongly about either.

Both looked like rookies at times, when they cant afford to be the rookies that they are. Both make some bad decisions, the kind that games are determined with. Both looked like they could win a lot of games with the team that we have, but neither left me thinking Championship. I'm wondering if we will not be like LSU has been for the last few years, having the QB be the Albatross that keeps us from getting over the top. In the SEC QBs matter, and this season I'm holding my breath.

 

[TheChief]

Hopefully, Richardson and the line give them a chance to grow up early next season.

 

[Hoos4Tide]

Real question, no sarcasm meant: what did we think of GMac at this time two years ago? I just don't remember-- I mean did we think he would be a guy capable of driving down the field with less than 5 minutes to go, down by 2 against Auburn while sitting on 11-0? Honestly, I really don't remember thinking much of him at all, mainly b/c we had Ro coming back, Terrence Cody coming in, TR coming in and Julio coming back for the second year, I remember thinking he'd just be another Bama QB that wouldn't win anything for us but just not lose anything... is there substantial reason to think otherwise of whoever starts for us this year? A.J. or Sims will be a better passer than GMac, or at least stronger armed, and will have more than enough ability to do just what we ask of them... why is everyone so worried then???

 

[psychojoe]

In watching the two newbies at QB one conclusion I came to was "Holy Crap. We are loaded with good players in the secondary." If Robbie Green does come back it is hard to see where he would get playing time.

 

[planomateo]

I think it's kinda cool that everyone on the site is holding their opinions for now on who they think will get it. I know there are other sites with pages and pages of info.

kudo's to everyone.

may the best man win the battle, I think my guy is gonna win - my guy being Alabama football

 

[UAgrad93]

I think you saw what was to be expected from them both. Both showed the ability to move the team down the field, throw the ball well, use touch when needed, etc. Then they showed their inexperience by bailing out too soon, avoiding the initial rusher to only move into the waiting arms of the sideline or 3 more defenders, forcing a throw, etc. The future is indeed bright.

 

[BamaDelta]

I *thought* the race was tight because both QBs were looking so "good", but after watching the A-Day game, I'm not sure that is the case. Now before Terry starts throwing stats at me, let me say that I know what the stats were. However, when I watch a game, I know the difference between dumping the ball off on a two yard pass to Trent Richardson and having the running back run for 23 yards versus completing a pass that actually flew threw the air for 23 yards. I saw very few passes completed down the field and the problem we had last year where we are a little too quick to dump it off to the running back appears to presist. The running game looks good, but I'm concerned about our passing attack for this season.

Yikes, me too. AJ seemed to bail every time to Trent? How long before defenses figure that one out? I'm thinking yesterday!

AJ seemed to get flushed too quickly. Memories of last year kept coming back to me. Oh gosh, surely our line is going to do a better job.

 

[Hoos4Tide]

You know, from watching the A-Day game again on ESPN3 replay, honestly I think Sims's day was just head and shoulders above A.J.'s. McCarron got lucky and had I think it was Norwood make a few spectacular catches and then Trent's big catch but other than that all of his yards were short check downs to TR and his decision making was TERRIBLE. More than a few times he would just throw it up to a group of 3 or 4 people hoping his guy would come down with it. Sims on the other hand in especially in that big drive early in the second half was making throws on the run at 1000 mph. He has a cannon for an arm and accuracy like no one else. Sims's second half was better than A.J.'s first and Sims's first half, IMO, was better than A.J.'s second!

 

[TerryP]

At some point, you'll say "don't pay attn. to things happening in spring ball or at A-day." At least, I hope that'll happen at some point. (I have my doubts and hate to see what's going to happen on message forums this fall.)

As a fan base, we have no idea what they were looking at. We won't.

The only thing anyone can take out of an A-day game is really line and LB's play. This year especially since we had so many DB's in black.

 

[Hoos4Tide]

At some point, you'll say "don't pay attn. to things happening in spring ball or at A-day." At least, I hope that'll happen at some point. (I have my doubts and hate to see what's going to happen on message forums this fall.)

As a fan base, we have no idea what they were looking at. We won't.

The only thing anyone can take out of an A-day game is really line and LB's play. This year especially since we had so many DB's in black.

Forget about spring ball or at A-day... yeah, alright, b/c spring ball isn't where jobs (and I'd argue championships) are actually won. And the A-day shows nothing about how a young quarterback will respond to leading a team down the field under pressure and being in a stadium of 92,000+ fans... But you're right, no reason to pay attention to spring ball or A-day... heck, doesn't it seem stupid that Nick Saban even holds spring practice or the A-Day game?? I mean, they're worthless!

 

[Bo]

Forget about spring ball or at A-day... yeah, alright, b/c spring ball isn't where jobs (and I'd argue championships) are actually won. And the A-day shows nothing about how a young quarterback will respond to leading a team down the field under pressure and being in a stadium of 92,000+ fans... But you're right, no reason to pay attention to spring ball or A-day... heck, doesn't it seem stupid that Nick Saban even holds spring practice or the A-Day game?? I mean, they're worthless!

Not worthless to the coaching staff. They know what they are looking to see, and plays are called in a certain way so that the coaches get to see what players do in certain situations. The scrimmage that is open to the public and on TV is just a spectacle for the fans. I'm not saying the players are not vying for positions, and the coaches pay no attention to what happens, but the A-Day game is no where near as important to them as the other pactices and scrimmages that the public does not get to see.

 

[TerryP]

Forget about spring ball or at A-day... yeah, alright, b/c spring ball isn't where jobs (and I'd argue championships) are actually won. And the A-day shows nothing about how a young quarterback will respond to leading a team down the field under pressure and being in a stadium of 92,000+ fans... But you're right, no reason to pay attention to spring ball or A-day... heck, doesn't it seem stupid that Nick Saban even holds spring practice or the A-Day game?? I mean, they're worthless!

Tell me one thing you learned from A-day.