It is possible the most important key to success for Alabama Football in 2023-24 is the offensive line. Building a new unit for a long haul will not happen quickly. There will be growing pains in the early part of the season, but the schedule also allows time for player development and molding of unit cohesion.
The ‘long haul’ is, of course, through December and through a game on the night of Jan. 8th. No Alabama football fan needs reminding how important it is for the Alabama Crimson Tide to get to that game – and win it. Failing to win the 2024 National Championship Game would force the fans of Alabama Football to admit the end of a Dynasty.
Based on statements made by Nick Saban, Alabama fans are confident the 2023 team will be more physical than last season. It is believed Kevin Steele will have the Crimson Tide defense attacking and not just reacting. There are good reasons to believe the Tide’s defense will be improved. No other team has the depth of talent the Crimson Tide has at linebacker.
For the first time in several seasons, Steele and Freddie Roach can rotate eight guys in the defensive front, with little drop in effectiveness. Despite the exit of Will Anderson Jr., the modified defensive approach is expected to affect opposing quarterbacks more frequently and disrupt the rhythm of opposing passing attacks. Also despite personnel losses, by mid-season, the Crimson Tide secondary could be markedly better than last season.
Alabama Football Offense
On offense, also based on Nick Saban’s comments, fans are hoping for a return to a punishing ground attack. Arguably, the Crimson Tide has the nation’s best group of running backs. There will not be a game when Tide running backs are not fresh in the fourth quarter.
A consistently effective running game can also lead to a more effective passing game. Bryce Young’s magic cannot be replaced, but if the other offensive components are working, it could be no magic is needed from the Tide’s next QB starter.
An ‘IF’ remains. It is the offensive line. For everything else to work the Tide’s O-line must push opponents off the ball in any yardage situation. It must perform without drive-killing penalties. And it must neutralize speed rushers off the edge.
Optimistic Alabama fans (and that is by far, most of us) are convinced Eric Wolford will build an offensive line that will consistently do all of the above. The line and Wolford will need at least the September games for the unit to come together.
Nick Saban provided encouraging words after the A-Day game.
"I like this team’s toughness. They’re physical, they play hard. We don’t have a bunch of guys who are soft or are looking for an easy way."
Not looking for an easy way could become the phrase that best describes the 2023 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama fans will have to exercise patience during the work-in-progress period. When the new line settles in and builds the chemistry that comes only from games, the Crimson Tide will be ready for the long haul.