NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
When you think of Alabama Football, defense is what comes to mind. For years, that has been the calling card for Nick Saban. But not anymore. Look around the league at the skilled positions and there are a few Alabama Crimson Tide players in the top 3 of most offensive categories. Was Saban holding these guys back in college or did we just ignore their production while they were in Tuscaloosa?
We can run down the line of the QBs who have played for Alabama and the list will be depressing. However, what has transpired in 2022 for this group in the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Mac Jones is the starter for the New England Patriots, and despite the team’s struggles this season, Jones, in his 2nd season with Bill Belicheck, has an above .500 record and a playoff start under his belt. If the front office can put the pieces around him, the Patriots could be a force in the AFC.
But that good QB gene did not end with Jones. On that same Alabama team, Saban had two more starters who are both currently tearing up the NFL leaderboards much better than Jones. Tua Tagovailoa is in Miami leading an explosive Dolphins offense to new heights as they’re fighting for their playoff lives. In just his 3rd season under center, Tua has already won 21 games and if he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for him.
For Jalen Hurts, many believed that he was not NFL-ready while playing under Saban. He could run but he was not the passer he was while at Bama. In his 2nd full season as a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts has displayed the leadership and skills that has him atop the MVP charts heading into the final game of the regular season.
Offense Is Key At Alabama Now
If you wanted to beat Alabama, you had to grind it out due to their defense. But times have changed for the program as Bryce Young won a Heisman last year and is slated to be a top 2 pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. How’s that for a defensive-minded coach? In just a few months, Saban will have 4 starting QBs in the NFL. While Hurts made his bones in the passing games after transferring to Oklahoma, it was still with Saban that everything started.
But wait, there’s more to the Alabama offensive mystic in the NFL.
While the explosion at QB is new, the Crimson Tide does have a crop of good RBs and WRs making waves as well. There is no need to go back as far as Julio Jones. The Eagles can thank Saban for DeVonta Smith. Smith is a Heisman winner and has just topped 1000 yards on the season for the Eagles. Jerry Jeudy was ready to break out this season with Russell Wilson until that fell apart and yet, he still managed over 800+ yards receiving and 6 TDs. Amari Cooper, despite QB issues of his own with the Cleveland Browns, has 1100+ yards and 9 TDs. Then you have Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins who is having his best season as a pro. Waddle has caught 70 passes for 1312 yards and 8 TDs so far this year.
In the backfield, there are a few Alabama alum who are making waves just the same as the QBs and WRs. Najee Harris is still getting it done between the tackles for the Pittsburgh Steelers with 954 yards and 9 total TDs on the season. Next up, is Brian Robinson of the Washington Commanders with 797 yards on 205 carries. The Las Vegas Raiders are thanking Saban for Josh Jacobs who is tearing the NFL up with 1608 yards on 323 carries to go with 12 rushing TDs. Last but not least, is the great Derrick Henry who continues to carry the Tennessee Titans on his back with 1429 yards and 13 TDs.
We can point to schools like LSU, Georgia, and more and see production across the board from their players. But what makes this list so special is the production that’s coming from a school not known for its offensive players like others.
While Alabama has taken knocks for not providing the NFL with top-tier offensive weapons over the years, Saban and his staff have more than made up for that in the last few drafts. For every Joe Burrow, Jonathan Taylor, or Justin Jefferson, Alabama can counter with their own.
