Looks like Alabama fans and media pundits were not the only ones shocked by the Crimson Tide’s lack of dominance on defense last season.
Nico Johnson, a four-year linebacker under Nick Saban from 2009-12, was a two-time Southeastern Conference champion (2009, 2012) and three-time BCS national champion (2009, 2011-12) at Alabama. He played on two of the best defenses (2009, 2011) of the Saban era and made the All-Freshman Team for the SEC in 2009; the lone squad with a perfect season.
A native of Andalusia, Ala., the former player turned coach was on In My Own Words with Stephen Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine on Sunday. While he is a defensive quality control coach for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, Johnson spoke candidly on why he felt his Alma mater lacked having the attacking mindset on defense in 2018 that he was brought up on.
“I don’t they were out to dominate their opponent and win their one-on-one battles,” Johnson said. “I don’t think they had that look in their eyes. You can tell when an Alabama defense is being dominant week in and week out or when it’s not. We did not dominate our opponents.”
For those who value scoreboards, you would disagree with Johnson’s thought – especially when the Tide defeated other school by 20+ points before facing Georgia in the SEC title game.
However, just beating teams means nothing to Johnson.
“We did not make teams one-dimensional,” he said.
“We did not attack the quarterback like we should have. We didn’t win the one-on-one battles and we didn’t get after guys. Last year’s defense was more of the nail instead of the hammer. In past years, we have always been the hammer. We have always been the attackers, but the 2018 defense was on its heels a lot.”
In order to return to form, Johnson singled-out linebackers Dylan Moses and Anfernee Jennings as the duo that must “set the tone” for next season.
“It’s going to be Jennings,” Johnson said.
“He’s the most experienced guy besides Dylan. These two guys are going to have to set the standard. They have to be the guys to lead this group day in and day out for the rest of the season. I feel like the defense will be as great as they want it to be.”
Johnson could not have picked a better pair of leaders.
Moses, a junior, was a finalist for the Butkus Award in 2018. He finished the year as the team’s leader in tackles (86) and had 10 stops for loss with 3.5 sacks.
Jennings, a senior, had a bounce back year with 50 tackles – including 13 for loss, 5.5 sacks, six quarterback pressures, a team-high 11 pass breakups and one interception.
Both he and Moses are projected as potential first-round picks for the 2020 NFL Draft, but they have work to do.
He may no longer be with the Tide, but Johnson cares about his school.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
