Former Alabama QB believes improving in one area will elevate Alabama offense

Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller (26) runs the ball against the Mercer Bears during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

In the first-ever episode of “The Dynasty: A Podcast on the Alabama Crimson Tide”, former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron shared his belief the Crimson Tide will need to improve in one key area in order to elevate its offensive success.

“They have to establish a run game that’s with the running backs,” McCarron said. “Going into this year, you lose a great playmaker that was probably 95 percent of your run game last year in Jalen Milroe. I think you gotta get back to playing the quarterback position, how they know it as a coaching staff with Michael Penix Jr. in Washington. I think having an established run game with the running backs, being able to establish that early throughout the season that helps the passing game open up and evolves a little more. I think that’s the biggest thing going into this year for Kalen DeBoer and Ryann Grubb as the new OC. If they can do that, I think the sky’s the limit for them.”

McCarron provided some context to support what he is looking for from Alabama’s offense in 2025.

“When I view this team, almost like the 2011 team for us,” said McCarron. “We had a ton of returners coming back on defense, a very well-established defense that year. Us as an offense was manage the game. If the possession ends in a kick, whether it’s a field goal or a punt, it’s not always bad. It allows the year to go on. Your offense to get established more, what you’re true identity is, and then being able to feed off that late in the year when you have to. I think that’s probably the biggest key for them going into this year.”

The rushing attack is something that will be a work in progress for the Crimson Tide in 2025.

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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.