| FTBL Honest non bias look at this years team

[Destiny's Child]

So after watching each game several times and looking at Saban's reactions.. I think we are going to struggle to go 10-2. Our issues are in very key places this year and I believe much of it is due to players heading to the NFL but some it is players not playing to potential.

Qb - he is just not anywhere near what we have had. Seems like a great kid and I believe he is working hard but he isn't a vocal leader, his arm strength is weak and he is 5'9. If he had last years o-line we could hide him some but we don't

RB's - no dominant rb's. I love Sanders and his story, love Brian Robinsons leadership but he truly isn't dynamic. The other two have potential but aren't manning up yet and some of that falls on the o-line

OL - is not a strength. If Chris Owens is our best RT were are in serious trouble. Besides for Left tackle and LG we are struggling with assignments and just pushing people of the ball. We recruited 5 stars at OL for the last several years and all of them are holding a helmet on the sideline. Are we missing in recruiting or are we not developing them?

The defense has talent if we can stay healthy but I wonder who the true leaders of this team are? I dont see the same interaction on the sidelines.. it's like someone gave out Zoloft milkshakes to everyone.. no fire or interaction with teammates.

Saban's comments seem to be warning everyone to temper expectations and that this team still isn't buying into the process.

Now saying all this.. I hope they prove me wrong or improve and come together but right now just looking objectively we have a lot more issues than we have solutions. Another thing in our favor is that in my eyes everyone else in the SEC is down a this year too except for maybe Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas They look very similar to last year.

 

[mando]

So after watching each game several times and looking at Saban's reactions.. I think we are going to struggle to go 10-2. Our issues are in very key places this year and I believe much of it is due to players heading to the NFL but some it is players not playing to potential.

Qb - he is just not anywhere near what we have had. Seems like a great kid and I believe he is working hard but he isn't a vocal leader, his arm strength is weak and he is 5'9. If he had last years o-line we could hide him some but we don't

RB's - no dominant rb's. I love Sanders and his story, love Brian Robinsons leadership but he truly isn't dynamic. The other two have potential but aren't manning up yet and some of that falls on the o-line

OL - is not a strength. If Chris Owens is our best RT were are in serious trouble. Besides for Left tackle and LG we are struggling with assignments and just pushing people of the ball. We recruited 5 stars at OL for the last several years and all of them are holding a helmet on the sideline. Are we missing in recruiting or are we not developing them?

The defense has talent if we can stay healthy but I wonder who the true leaders of this team are? I dont see the same interaction on the sidelines.. it's like someone gave out Zoloft milkshakes to everyone.. no fire or interaction with teammates.

Saban's comments seem to be warning everyone to temper expectations and that this team still isn't buying into the process.

Now saying all this.. I hope they prove me wrong or improve and come together but right now just looking objectively we have a lot more issues than we have solutions. Another thing in our favor is that in my eyes everyone else in the SEC is down a this year too except for maybe Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas They look very similar to last year.

I think Saban is tempering expectations because the team is young and will not be as dominant as last year at least on offense. Not going to beat every team by 30+ points but I will take a 15-20 point win just as much. At least my take and by the end of the year will be much improved. This would not impact the win/losses just make games closer and a little more uneasy.

My biggest concern is not talent but leadership. If that is indeed the issue then you may be right but it would be an anomaly.

 

[Justneedme81]

So after watching each game several times and looking at Saban's reactions.. I think we are going to struggle to go 10-2. Our issues are in very key places this year and I believe much of it is due to players heading to the NFL but some it is players not playing to potential.

Qb - he is just not anywhere near what we have had. Seems like a great kid and I believe he is working hard but he isn't a vocal leader, his arm strength is weak and he is 5'9. If he had last years o-line we could hide him some but we don't

RB's - no dominant rb's. I love Sanders and his story, love Brian Robinsons leadership but he truly isn't dynamic. The other two have potential but aren't manning up yet and some of that falls on the o-line

OL - is not a strength. If Chris Owens is our best RT were are in serious trouble. Besides for Left tackle and LG we are struggling with assignments and just pushing people of the ball. We recruited 5 stars at OL for the last several years and all of them are holding a helmet on the sideline. Are we missing in recruiting or are we not developing them?

The defense has talent if we can stay healthy but I wonder who the true leaders of this team are? I dont see the same interaction on the sidelines.. it's like someone gave out Zoloft milkshakes to everyone.. no fire or interaction with teammates.

Saban's comments seem to be warning everyone to temper expectations and that this team still isn't buying into the process.

Now saying all this.. I hope they prove me wrong or improve and come together but right now just looking objectively we have a lot more issues than we have solutions. Another thing in our favor is that in my eyes everyone else in the SEC is down a this year too except for maybe Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas They look very similar to last year.

Qb - he is just not anywhere near what we have had. Seems like a great kid and I believe he is working hard but he isn't a vocal leader, his arm strength is weak and he is 5'9. If he had last years o-line we could hide him some but we don't

My response: What are you talking about? He has been vocal... He is stepping up. Arm strength is weak are you kidding me? did you not see his throw against Mercer? RB, I don't think we need someone to be dymanic in RB room. We have enough of RBs to contribute to make it work. Saban has said It's not Young, but rather the players around him that needs to step up.

OL- Every freaking year we hear this crap" OL is not a strength" and to think we played against Miami and Mercer. Give them time. they will get better as season goes along, as we have in the past.

Defense- Ummm.... just because you dont' see interaction on sideline doesn't mean there is no leadership. Henry Too Too, C Harris, Jobe, are the leaders on the team.

This is a team that is still trying to find their identity and they will figure it out eventually. Fans are spoiled by the last few years of success.

Man This post is a bad take for the most part.

 

[RollllTide!]

Not enough games yet. Flopada will be a better game to show things. How the qb does under pressure. JMO

 

[BamaFan334]

Offensive Line - I think we have some work to do on the line. Miami pressured us a ton, but luckily Bryce was able to move and make plays. Mercer also had him moving around from the little I saw as well. This is the biggest hole in this team so far from my seat, and at this moment, Georgia would eat our lunch.

Quarterback - Not worried as only experience is going to make him better. He has the tools.

Running back - Robinson runs very very hard, so it's hard to fault him for much. I do think McClellan and and Sanders are our best options if we want to look my dynamic. Would love to see Wheaton with the ball.

Receivers - Look pretty solid so far. Without Jameson Williams we would be in a little trouble breaking in so many new guys.

Tight End - Pretty solid there and very happy for Latu and his development into a contributor after it looked like he would be lost on the depth chart for defense.

Defense - Not worried at all here. Some young guys got some looks against Mercer and learned a tough lesson that even an inferior opponent can put it on your five star butt if you aren't crossing your T's and dotting your I's.

Intensity appears to be where we will win or lose it this year. Coach said it, and I'm seeing it. We can out geeked up and ready for a big opener with Miami, but got relaxed against Mercer. Champions don't do that, because it's always a half ass team that'll snipe you. Complacency and intensity will be our biggest hurdles this season. This weekend will tell us where we really are. Major emotion swings are not good, so if we can get back up and dust ourselves off, we should be ready for a Championship run.

 

[Destiny's Child]

My response: What are you talking about? He has been vocal... He is stepping up. Arm strength is weak are you kidding me? did you not see his throw against Mercer? RB, I don't think we need someone to be dymanic in RB room. We have enough of RBs to contribute to make it work. Saban has said It's not Young, but rather the players around him that needs to step up.

OL- Every freaking year we hear this crap" OL is not a strength" and to think we played against Miami and Mercer. Give them time. they will get better as season goes along, as we have in the past.

Defense- Ummm.... just because you dont' see interaction on sideline doesn't mean there is no leadership. Henry Too Too, C Harris, Jobe, are the leaders on the team.

This is a team that is still trying to find their identity and they will figure it out eventually. Fans are spoiled by the last few years of success.

Man This post is a bad take for the most part.

I am no hater or shit stirrer and we can see how this take holds up over time but Saban is looking for leaders and if their are leaders he is looking for more effective leaders.

Bryce has underthrown several throws that he should have hit badly. Go rewatch the games, mailnly he just isn't anywhere close to what we have had. To me he is slightly better than Hurt's quality passer who doesn't want to run. No hate for not being close to TUA or MAC.. we have been spoiled. Just pointing out the obvious.. he is not them.

The oline couldn't open running holes or protect the QB against Mercer.. Mercer.. let that sink in.

Also, our talent level at WR isn't were it has been. Florida or Arknasas or Auburn will copy or improve upon Mercer's defensive game plan with better athletes and we are going to struggle to score.

Just point out the gamebreaker at RB or at WR or at QB. I am not hating just being objective. We are down significantly from where we have been the last 2 or 3 years. We can improve and God.. I pray we do but we aren't the juggernaut we have been.

 

[rammerjammer]

I think Saban is tempering expectations because the team is young and will not be as dominant as last year at least on offense. Not going to beat every team by 30+ points but I will take a 15-20 point win just as much. At least my take and by the end of the year will be much improved. This would not impact the win/losses just make games closer and a little more uneasy.

My biggest concern is not talent but leadership. If that is indeed the issue then you may be right but it would be an anomaly.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

So after watching each game several times and looking at Saban's reactions.. I think we are going to struggle to go 10-2. Our issues are in very key places this year and I believe much of it is due to players heading to the NFL but some it is players not playing to potential.

Who do you think beats them? Not saying it won't happen, just curious.

Qb - he is just not anywhere near what we have had. Seems like a great kid and I believe he is working hard but he isn't a vocal leader, his arm strength is weak and he is 5'9. If he had last years o-line we could hide him some but we don't

How vocal he is and his height are not all that important. The kid is super talented and will get better with reps. He is absolutely good enough to win a championship this year.

RB's - no dominant rb's. I love Sanders and his story, love Brian Robinsons leadership but he truly isn't dynamic. The other two have potential but aren't manning up yet and some of that falls on the o-line

UA, as usual, has the best stable of backs in the SEC.

OL - is not a strength. If Chris Owens is our best RT were are in serious trouble. Besides for Left tackle and LG we are struggling with assignments and just pushing people of the ball. We recruited 5 stars at OL for the last several years and all of them are holding a helmet on the sideline. Are we missing in recruiting or are we not developing them?

It isn't at all unusual for Bama's OL to take a few games to settle in, this year was going to be no different. They were never going to be the '20 OL though. I'm not sure that Owens is the best RT and I'd keep an eye on that moving forward. Latham is going to be a stud in time, but he's still "getting it". Saban wants Owens in the starting 5 though, he trusts him, he's going to be a team captain, he's the leader of the OL. He needs to be out there if at all possible. He had some issues at center in camp so they put him at RT. But I do agree, talent wise, he's not one of the best 5. When you throw in the intangibles he brings though? I can see why he's out there.

The defense has talent if we can stay healthy but I wonder who the true leaders of this team are? I dont see the same interaction on the sidelines.. it's like someone gave out Zoloft milkshakes to everyone.. no fire or interaction with teammates.

Anderson will be a captain. Mathis is a leader, as are To'oto'o and Harris. The leadership void is more prevalent on the offensive side.

Saban's comments seem to be warning everyone to temper expectations and that this team still isn't buying into the process.

That is his m.o. Is he frustrated this year with how some younger guys have responded? Sure. But that's part of it with a younger team, especially coming off a national title. I think people are reading a bit too much into last week's game. Alabama prepped very little for Mercer, just enough scout team work for the defense to understand their offense. Bama purposely used the game to work on things offensively when they could have just rushed for 400+ yards and worn them out all day. I'd be shocked if the team isn't well prepared, focused, and ready to play against UF on Saturday. Then they'll almost certainly get an extra day off on Monday before USM/Ole Miss prep begins.

 

[Destiny's Child]

View attachment 18856

"Our issues are in very key places this year and I believe much of it is due to players heading to the NFL but some it is players not playing to potential."

Agree.. as you can see I actually said it in the beginning of my "take".. we are young but some areas there has been a lack of development compared to years past.

I hope we catch a gear and come out kicking ass this weekend but just watching the film we have a long way to go.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

So after watching each game several times and looking at Saban's reactions.. I think we are going to struggle to go 10-2. Our issues are in very key places this year and I believe much of it is due to players heading to the NFL but some it is players not playing to potential.

Qb - he is just not anywhere near what we have had. Seems like a great kid and I believe he is working hard but he isn't a vocal leader, his arm strength is weak and he is 5'9. If he had last years o-line we could hide him some but we don't

RB's - no dominant rb's. I love Sanders and his story, love Brian Robinsons leadership but he truly isn't dynamic. The other two have potential but aren't manning up yet and some of that falls on the o-line

OL - is not a strength. If Chris Owens is our best RT were are in serious trouble. Besides for Left tackle and LG we are struggling with assignments and just pushing people of the ball. We recruited 5 stars at OL for the last several years and all of them are holding a helmet on the sideline. Are we missing in recruiting or are we not developing them?

The defense has talent if we can stay healthy but I wonder who the true leaders of this team are? I dont see the same interaction on the sidelines.. it's like someone gave out Zoloft milkshakes to everyone.. no fire or interaction with teammates.

Saban's comments seem to be warning everyone to temper expectations and that this team still isn't buying into the process.

Now saying all this.. I hope they prove me wrong or improve and come together but right now just looking objectively we have a lot more issues than we have solutions. Another thing in our favor is that in my eyes everyone else in the SEC is down a this year too except for maybe Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas They look very similar to last year.

So you're not a member of the Bama Sunshine Club.......either

The defense will really have to play well for Bama to be 10-2. The OL is a work in progress with Owens being the weak link and Randolph not able to take that spot. I don't much care for the attitude of #1 receiver. All four backs are good but none are elite because they don't have elite speed (Roydell is the quicker).

 

[ElephantStomp]

Not saying it won’t happen, but who’s going to beat us?

To say our QB is barely above Hurts is just a bad take. Bryce is a better passer than Hurts and that’s just from two games. Did he miss some? Sure, hell every QB misses some.

Two games into the season and we’ve got the team dead and buried? There’s a huge difference between not wearing crimson colored glasses and just simply being negative

Every year no matter how great the team is Saban tempers expectations, so far his comments haven’t anything out of the ordinary

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Not saying it won’t happen, but who’s going to beat us?

To say our QB is barely above Hurts is just a bad take. Bryce is a better passer than Hurts and that’s just from two games. Did he miss some? Sure, hell every QB misses some.

Two games into the season and we’ve got the team dead and buried? There’s a huge difference between not wearing crimson colored glasses and just simply being negative

Every year no matter how great the team is Saban tempers expectations, so far his comments haven’t anything out of the ordinary

10-2 isn't dead and buried..............2022 could very well be another great year then again both ILBers may go early to the NFL

 

[Destiny's Child]

Not saying it won’t happen, but who’s going to beat us?

To say our QB is barely above Hurts is just a bad take. Bryce is a better passer than Hurts and that’s just from two games. Did he miss some? Sure, hell every QB misses some.

Two games into the season and we’ve got the team dead and buried? There’s a huge difference between not wearing crimson colored glasses and just simply being negative

Every year no matter how great the team is Saban tempers expectations, so far his comments haven’t anything out of the ordinary

There are 4 possibilities in my opinion Florida this weekend. Ole Miss.. we don't have the offense to keep up in a shootout this year. Arkansas is Good on the line of scrimmage and tough(Awesome d coordinator). Auburn at Auburn always scares me especially with a young team.

My guess is we split these 4 maybe we lose Ole Miss and Arkansas. Would hate to lose to the boogs and a first year coach.

 

[Secondand26]

There are 4 possibilities in my opinion Florida this weekend. Ole Miss.. we don't have the offense to keep up in a shootout this year. Arkansas is Good on the line of scrimmage and tough(Awesome d coordinator). Auburn at Auburn always scares me especially with a young team.

My guess is we split these 4 maybe we lose Ole Miss and Arkansas. Would hate to lose to the boogs and a first year coach.

So based on this, you are saying Bama does not get to the SECCG or the CFP? ( as you are predicting 2 SEC West losses)

 

[TerryP]

Who do you think beats them? Not saying it won't happen, just curious.

@Destiny's Child that's my question to start. To whom, and how?

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

@Destiny's Child that's my question to start. To whom, and how?

Possible L's Florida, Ole Miss, Hogs, LSU, and Barn. ( I don't see A&M beating us with that QB unless we were to shit the bed on offense). I had us a 10-2 before the season started and I am still on that page. We need to be able to run the ball better than what we've seen against two not very good teams. Hell we're getting hit at the LOS on most runs. I would believe Miami had a bad case of the poor pitiful me's last weekend but they couldn't do much with Appy State.

 

[BamaFan334]

There are 4 possibilities in my opinion Florida this weekend. Ole Miss.. we don't have the offense to keep up in a shootout this year. Arkansas is Good on the line of scrimmage and tough(Awesome d coordinator). Auburn at Auburn always scares me especially with a young team.

My guess is we split these 4 maybe we lose Ole Miss and Arkansas. Would hate to lose to the boogs and a first year coach.

Ole Miss' offense and Arkansas' defense worry me. I have absolute zero concern with Florida. They are inept at quarterback and he feeds right into our strengths.

Ole Miss is simply not a straight forward offense. Kiffin knows how to scheme against us. He will make it very tough for us to win. We have the better players and can take it deep into the game, but in the end our depth wins.

Arkansas, they are just hungry. There is nothing more frightening than a young team that has bought into a program change in a new coach. We are a much better team than Texas, but I think they punch us in the mouth unlike they have in a number of years. In the end, our depth is an issue for them and we weather another storm.

Georgia in the SEC Championship is the one that truly concerns me. Our offense is better than theirs, but I think their defense can rival ours. Their secondary sucks, but their front seven allow them to suck because of the pressure they bring. Should be an interesting season. I like those 40 point wins, but also miss being in competitive games, but hate being on edge because those game usually mean we are lacking somewhere and playing bad, ha ha. So there is no making us happy as Alabama fans these days.

 

[TerryP]

Possible L's Florida, Ole Miss, Hogs, LSU, and Barn.

Remind me of this list when each game week comes, will ya?

Starting with UF. I don't think you know a lot about this team to be speculating they'll pull a win out; even at home. I'll readily admit if I'm wrong.

 

[NickelDoubleDog]

Anyone questioning the Alabama team and in the next breath suggesting LSU is a possible loss is being disingenuous at best.

Alabama looked amazing vs a good team, and then looked disinterested and sloppy in a game where other great Bama teams have looked sloppy.

Check back in after the Florida game. A win by 2 scores would indicate that this is a title contender Bama team.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Check back in after the Florida game. A win by 2 scores would indicate that this is a title contender Bama team.

I'm not sure about that. I think we win by more than two scores, but Florida may not be an authentic championship yardstick.