Alabama Football: How can defense become more disruptive?

Through two games, Alabama football has played pretty well on defense, giving up just 9.5 points per game between its two opponents.

The defense has been solid in the red zone, surrendering just one touchdown in six attempts. It has also been very stingy against the run, a theme that has continued from last season, when it ranked third nationally allowing just 2.6 yards per carry. The current unit has actually improved upon the 2021 numbers, currently giving up 79.0 yards per game on just 2.3 yards per carry.

The gripe that most Alabama football fans have with the defense is its lack of game-changing, momentum-shifting plays. Through two games, Alabama has recorded just three sacks and has yet to generate a single turnover.

Pass rush still a work in progress for Alabama Football

Against good offenses, the inability to create an effective pass rush and get teams behind the chains can be a major disadvantage. Although it has gotten off to a slow start, it is hard to doubt Alabama’s ability to rush the passer.

Will Anderson Jr. got his first sack of the year on Texas’ final third down of the game. Inside linebacker Jaylen Moody and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry also registered sacks against Texas. Edge rusher Dallas Turner, linebacker Henry To’o To’o, and Stars Brian Branch and Malachi Moore have all been effective putting pressure on quarterbacks, but they have repeatedly arrived late or failed to finish plays.

Alabama’s sack numbers, or lack thereof, may be concerning on the surface. It’s important to note, however, that the immense pass rushing talent on this team was publicized all offseason. The result has been opposing teams crafting their entire game plans around neutralizing it, or avoiding it completely. Utah State tried to throw quick-hitters all night to take the Alabama pass rushers out of the game. Texas frequently double-teamed or chip-blocked the Tide’s edge rushers.

The answer to opposing offenses keying on Anderson Jr. and Turner is that other players have to step up and win one-on-one matchups. Despite having a lot of talent and promise, Alabama’s interior defensive line has not been able to produce much of a pass rush.

Alabama Football: Still seeking turnovers

It is also slightly alarming that Alabama football has not forced a turnover in eight quarters of football. The relative lack of pass rush has played a big role here, but it is hardly an excuse.

Alabama has far too many playmakers at all three levels of its defense to not be forcing turnovers. The back eight of the unit is, on paper, loaded with instinctive, ball-hawking defenders. I believe it is only a matter of time before they start making plays.

Chris Braswell forced a fumble against Utah State, but the Aggies were fortunate to recover. Redshirt freshman cornerback Terrion Arnold showed great awareness and ball skills when Texas tried to target him on a deep ball, but ultimately dropped the interception.

The Alabama defense is still searching for a way to come up with big plays. It certainly has the potential to do so, but this has not been the start to the season that the unit imagined.