Everyone does things differently. If Alabama fans expected for the Crimson Tide defense to look the exact same with Kane Wommack running as things looked under Nick Saban, they have another thing coming. However, the iconic former head coach of the Crimson Tide had an interesting critique on the scheme Wommack is deploying at Tuscaloosa. It is working, but not to the degree that it should.
Saban did not mince words when discussing their philosophical differences during SEC Media Days.
"We're talking philosophy here," Saban said. "I'm a deny the ball guy. We played a lot of man-to-man. Not all middle of the field free man-to-man, but split safety man-to-man or whatever, because I wanted to make the quarterback throw the ball in small places. If you have good front people and you can pass rush, the quarterback has got to make quick decisions and it makes it much more difficult."
Saban then used an example he learned from the NFL to try and prove his point about zone defense.
"When you play zone, which Alabama has been largely a zone team, when you play a good quarterback, that breaking on the ball gets overrated," Saban continued. "When Dan Marino is throwing it -- I learned that in the NFL -- breaking on the ball is overrated because that ball gets there quick, it's accurate, and it's on time."
He finished up his bit on Wommack's Alabama defense by saying the need to "deny the ball" more.
"So I do think if they played a little bit more deny the ball, secondary-type defense, man-to-man -- whether it's split safeties or middle of the field coverage, rushing four, rushing five doesn't matter -- they would be even more productive on defense," Saban finished."
Hoping for Alabama to "deny the ball" more and actually doing it are two totally different things. While Alabama has not had a hard time forcing turnovers on defense, the lack of man-coverage concepts may play a part in the other team being able to go more ball-control on offense. Football is a game of field position and time of possession. You cannot score points when you do not possess the football.
Saban may have a point in going after Wommack like this, but it is easier to do from an analyst's chair.
Nick Saban offers some peculiar criticism of Kane Wommack's defense
What Saban may seem to be forgetting is he is not the coach recruiting these Alabama players. Wommack and the rest of Kalen DeBoer's staff are. Yes, they might be a few holdovers from the previous regime, but this year's Alabama is vastly different from the 2023 squad Saban last coached. He must allow his former place of employment to adapt in the wake of him retiring from coaching.
That being said, Saban's critique of Wommack's defense does play into the notion that maybe things are not as buttoned-up as they should be in Tuscaloosa. The standard has changed. Of course, it has. Saban is no longer around to keep everyone on high alert at all times. However, Wommack may be doing his best to cover up some of the other deficiencies on defense, while the secondary is thriving.
If we were to look at the Alabama defense as a collection of units, the defensive backfield reigns supreme over the entire front seven. The linebacking corps is not what it once was under Saban. Unfortunately, it is in the trenches where the Crimson Tide appear to be the most exposed on both sides of the football. DeBoer can win a lot of games without elite play there, but not a national title.
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Overall, Saban's criticism of Wommack's defense is far, but only up to a point. He is a former head coach who is overqualified for the role he has. In time, he may become a head coach in the Power Four one day. Where Saban may be overstepping his bounds a bit is this does seem like he is undermining what DeBoer is trying to do as an offensive-minded head coach. That is the real issue.
Ultimately, Alabama is going to sink or swim as a team these next few seasons based on how well the Crimson Tide run the football, as well as disrupt the passer. DeBoer needs to hone in on making the running game worthwhile. While Wommack, Maurice Linguist, and the rest of the defensive staff need to get the most out of their guys, it is too late into the offseason for any wholesale scheme changes.
Right now, Alabama has to play sound, tactical football in the back end to give this defense a chance.
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