Non-Alabama fans saw it as a negative for Nick Saban to not name a starting quarterback.
Many in the national media feel like the Crimson Tide are in trouble for not having a starter solidified.
RELATED: Greg McElroy picks winner of Alabama QB competition
After having Bryce Young for two seasons as the starting quarterback, others have to step up as playmakers for a new signal-caller. Alabama has a former quarterback turned analyst who understands the transition. Greg McElroy, a 2009 BCS National Champion for the Tide, had an interview with Roger Hoover of Crimson Tide Sports Network. He said Alabama is ‘really pleased’ with its quarterback situation, contrary to popular belief. The Tide hosts Middle Tennessee State this weekend for its opener.
Ahead of next week’s @Allstate Crossbar Challenge between @AlabamaFTBL & @TexasFootball, @GregMcElroy shares thoughts on Alabama’s QB situation.
Full Interview on Thursday’s Crimson Drive, driven by@NASCAR at 2 pm on @UA_CTSN: https://t.co/PD5KP5uzYw pic.twitter.com/X9PEWiZsTx
— Roger Hoover (@Roger_Hoover) August 30, 2023
“I think a lot of people are going to look at it and say it’s a concern, and I view it, and I have used this analogy already this offseason when you put so much on the quarterback position … the rest of the muscles, if that is the bicep if you will … if your quarterback is your bicep and all you do are curls, the rest of your muscles are going to atrophy,” McElroy said.
RELATED: Greg McElroy acknowledges Alabama fandom sways his mood while calling games
“You are not going to be as strong collectively. Your bicep might be great, but your legs are going to be like twigs, and your triceps will be flabby. You are not going to be great collectively as a team. I think there is more of a collective ownership among the offensive players to know we have to upgrade our level of play because that guy at quarterback is not there to bail us out.”
McElroy said Alabama became used to Bryce Young bailing it out. Young is now in the National Football League, and the new starter may be Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson. Whoever it is, the quarterback has to have confidence in the players around him.
The running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen need to play well. Saban has mentioned before the importance of guys around the quarterback performing to their potential. Alabama fans look forward to seeing it.
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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.
