Did last week give us a picture of the old Alabama defense returning?
People will reserve their comments for tougher competition, but Crimson Tide fans were pleased by how Alabama did not take Utah State lightly. Each defense of the Nick Saban era is measured against a previous group. The media respects what happened in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Alabama’s 2009 defense earned its first national championship since 1992. The 2011 group led the nation in all five major categories while 2012 built off the success. Alabama’s 2015 defense produced an exciting secondary and a deep rotation up front. The Crimson Tide scored more points on defense than offense in 2016, as pick-sixes and fumble returns for touchdowns were the norm. Alabama had a continuation of this in 2017 as it won a national championship.
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This year’s defense opened the season with a nastiness reminiscent of past groups.
One cannot overhype the performance, but it was the first shutout by an Alabama defense in a season opener under Saban. No one recorded a sack, yet each player followed their assignment. Utah State could not do anything on offense. Will Anderson and Dallas Turner had Aggies’ quarterback Logan Bonner scared to pass. Alabama’s defensive line controlled the game, limiting Utah State’s rushing attack. No player had jaw-dropping statistics, but the team effort was one that promotes a potential national title.
The defenses that won national championships under Saban were those that suffocated opponents.
Teams felt helpless against Alabama in the years it had a formidable defense. Other schools wanted no parts of Rolando McClain and the 2009 group, Dont’a Hightower and the 2011 unit, C.J. Mosley and the 2012 defense, Reggie Ragland and the 2015 team, Reuben Foster and the 2016 defense, and Rashaan Evans and the 2017 bunch. Henry To’oto’o, Will Anderson, Dallas Turner, and Jaylen Moody want the same respect for this group. They showed dominance in week one at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Fans are excited to see if it continues against Texas.
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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.
