There are two former NFL head coaches on Alabama football’s staff. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone need to shore up their areas for the Crimson Tide to compete for a shot at the College Football Playoff.
The first area to improve is the offensive line.
Dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball is a Nick Saban staple. Quarterback Bryce Young needs precious seconds to go through all his progressions, and incredible line play is required for Alabama to succeed. The unit has had six games to mesh, yet it still appears they are on day one of fall camp.
Alabama football woes begin with the offensive line
Bryce Young faced an insurmountable amount of pressure from the Texas A&M defensive line Saturday night. Sacked four times (three times in the second quarter), Young appeared rattled before O’Brien made adjustments to leave an extra blocker in to help with the blitzes.
Compared to past seasons, here are the number of sacks so far this season. The number is staggering:
- 2021—14 sacks allowed (6 games)
- 2020—19 sacks
- 2019—12 sacks
- 2018—16 sacks
- 2017—27 sacks
Sack data is available from ncaa.com.
In 13 games last season, the Joe Moore award-winning unit, Alabama, allowed 77 pressures and 49 hurries. According to Christopher Smith for al.com, in the six games this season; the Tide has already allowed 54 hurries and 64 pressures.
The 57-year-old Marrone arrived in Tuscaloosa with numerous accolades as OL coach with the New York Jets, Georgia Bulldogs, and Georgia Tech. The time has come for him to shore up the line and start with replacing a fan favorite.
Alabama Football areas of concern start with right tackle
Playing out of position, sixth-year senior Chris Owens (6’3, 305) has been serviceable at right tackle. He surrendered three sacks before the A&M game, two more than the stellar Jedrick Wills had his entire junior season. Calling out Owens is not to downplay Owens’ remarkable versatility; there are just potential upgrades on the sidelines.
Mammoth Cyrus Kouandijo, Cam Robinson, Jonah Williams, Jedricks Wills, Alex Leatherwood, and Evan Neal started as freshmen. Starting a first-year player is not an issue for Saban.
According to 247 Sports recruiting website, Alabama signed the nation’s top two high school offensive tackles in JC Latham (6’6, 305) and Tommy Brockermeyer (6’6, 283). However, Latham has seen action in five games but not any meaningful snaps. He even played guard against Southern Miss.
Brockermeyer has yet to play a snap.
Hopefully, Marrone can develop these two freshmen quickly to get them on the field. Also, let’s not forget the upperclassmen tackles Amari Kight, Tommy Brown, and Damieon George, Jr.
Moving Owens to the center position and giving Darrian Dalcourt more time to develop would improve the team moving forward. There are plenty of options to shore up the right side of the offensive line.
Solving issues in the trenches, on both sides of the ball, will make every other position group better.