Every superhero has to learn how to use his powers. Having the ability to save the day is one thing; knowing when to use them, how to use them, and when to trust the people around him is what separates a hero from someone constantly trying to clean up a mess.
After lighting the college football world on fire through his first five collegiate starts, completing 71.2% of his passes for 1,414 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 184 yards and four scores on the ground to lead Alabama to a 5-0 start, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell is learning that lesson in real time. But the responsibility for getting Alabama's offense back on track doesn't fall solely on his shoulders.
That's the balancing act Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb know they have to get right moving forward: finding ways to put their young signal-caller in positions to succeed without asking him to do too much or taking away the raw playmaking ability that makes him special.
Alabama's last two games have made that balance increasingly important. Russell struggled to find answers against two of the nation's top defenses in Georgia and Tennessee, completing 35 of 59 passes (59.3%) for 332 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also added 47 rushing yards and another score on 20 carries but was sacked nine times across the two losses.
With Texas A&M up next, DeBoer pointed to play-calling as a key part of helping Russell find his footing again, stressing the importance of building around what No. 12 does best.
Kalen DeBoer knows Alabama must find the right balance between simplifying the offense and unlocking Keelon Russell down the stretch
"You’re trying to have a balance, trying to take what the defense gives you,” DeBoer told reporters Monday. “I felt like, and this goes back to play calling, opportunities that were really simple, things that he’s run a lot this year now that he’s comfortable with. There are certain run-pass options that have been successful, and ones that haven’t. And I think we’re doing a good job of understanding what he likes. Quick game, getting it out of his hands, are things that he does well. He also has the opportunity and the knack for creating things with his legs, and I thought he did that at times. He’s just got to try and not do too much.
"We aren’t going to let him think of himself as a young quarterback either. He’s our quarterback, and that expectation at Alabama comes with getting the job done. He’s more than capable; he’s done a great job in so many ways for our football team. Every moment is a learning moment, the good and the times that are rough. He’s got a great head on his shoulders."
For Alabama, that starts with making Russell's job easier without making the offense predictable. Staying in manageable down and distances, getting the ball out quicker, leaning on familiar run-pass options concepts, and establishing a more consistent ground game would give the sophomore QB more answers while forcing defenses to account for multiple threats.
Georgia and Tennessee offered a blueprint for what that looks like against Alabama. Both quarterbacks operated within offenses that found ways to sustain drives, take advantage of opportunities, and keep the Crimson Tide from dictating the terms of the game. Neither offense needed to reinvent the wheel to expose Alabama's problems. Meanwhile, the Tide had Russell throwing the ball all around the yard from the opening drive in Knoxville, causing him to consistently fall behind the chains and look flustered on obvious passing downs.
That's what makes DeBoer and Grubb's offensive struggles so frustrating. The answers aren't necessarily complicated, but the Crimson Tide have to commit to them. Yes, Russell still needs to do a better job of taking what the defense gives him instead of forcing a play, but DeBoer and Grubb must also give him a more reliable foundation to work from.
Texas A&M presents an opportunity to start making those adjustments pay off. The Aggies have recorded just five sacks through seven games, potentially giving Russell and the Tide's offensive line a more manageable challenge than they've faced over the last two weeks.
Now, it'll be interesting to see if DeBoer and company can turn this matchup into a much-needed get-right spot and give their young quarterback the foundation he needs to be successful as Alabama looks to reignite its postseason hopes down the stretch.
Add us as a preferred source on Google