Alabama DC feels Tide defense is finally gaining momentum in key area after 2 and a half years

Alabama football’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack feels like the Crimson Tide’s pass rush is finally resembling what he has wanted it to look like from the moment he joined Kalen DeBoer’s coaching staff.

The Tide got to Kentucky’s starting quarterback Kenny Minchey four times in Alabama’s 45-17 win over Kentucky. Alabama’s defense also recorded three quarterback hurries as they continued to harass Minchey as the game progressed.

Wommack told reporters Monday he likes the direction the Tide’s defense is going in terms of impacting the quarterback.

“I think what we’re doing in third downs is a step in the right direction,” Wommack said. “I’ve feel like I’ve talked for two and a half years to you guys about trying to get our pass rush in position to where we feel like we can four-man rush and affect the quarterback. We certainly have taken steps in the right direction there. That needs to continue to happen and continue to build consistency there. I think we did some good things in man coverage as well in that regard.”

Caleb Woodson and Devan Thompkins both sacked Minchey twice in the Tide’s comeback win. One of Thompkins’ sacks resulted in a fumble. The other sack was a result of a four-man rush collapsing the Wildcats’ pocket.

The ability to impact the quarterback is something the Tide could benefit from in a major way as the season moves forward. There are several talented quarterbacks left on Alabama’s schedule.