Alabama Football: Something to prove attitudes can be tricky

There is no doubt the Alabama football team has something to prove in the coming season. Collectively, the 2023 team must prove the Crimson Tide program can still win championships. Two championships would be great, but one is enough, but only if it is the National Championship.

Embracing team goals is essential to success. The individual goals of players are also important, as long as too much attention is not placed on individual results. That point is foundational for Nick Saban, with the key being players should work to be their best in every way and let results come as a byproduct.

My thinking on the above was triggered by a recent 247Sports piece on CFB’s quarterbacks with the “most to prove.” Quarterbacks from nine teams were selected, with Alabama Football included and three Crimson Tide QBs listed.

The other quarterbacks included were Joe Milton (Tennessee), Quinn Ewers (Texas), Carson Beck (Georgia), Spencer Rattler (South Carolina), Sam Hartman (Notre Dame), Tyler Van Dyke (Miami), Devin Leary (Kentucky) and DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State).

For the record, the Alabama football trio was Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner.

There is nothing wrong with the list. Every name on it makes sense. More than a few others could have been added; Conner Weigman at Texas A&M and Payton Thorne at Auburn to name a couple.

It may be a stretch to suggest Alabama football would be better off with its trio not on the list. Even so, I don’t think Nick Saban and Tommy Rees want the Tide’s QB1 to think that individually he has a heavy ‘must prove’ load. Rather his focus should be on how he can best enhance the performance of his offensive teammates.

As Saban has stated many times, QB1 must win the team. At the least, he must win the offense and that is more than 10 other guys. An Alabama football quarterback trying to do too much is not a good recipe for winning the team. Bryce Young was an exception. He certainly won the entire team, despite too often having to individually try to make ‘too much’ happen. Despite Young’s considerable magic, it was not enough.

More help from the Alabama Football Defense

It is possible the 2023 team will have a much stouter defense than last season. There is no shortage of talent. The 2023 Alabama football offense may not have to score in the 40s to win key games. The Crimson Tide’s QB1 being great may not be required. A ‘good’ Alabama QB, making few mistakes and distributing the ball to numerous playmakers might well be enough. If it is, that quarterback can ‘prove himself’ by his team winning games.

Alabama football may or may not have a Heisman-contending QB in 2023. It may not need one.