Alabama Defense, Cause for Concern?

Alabama is set to wrap up spring practice after the conclusion of A-Day. Crimson Tide fans got a taste of what Alabama football might look like on August 31 against Western Kentucky.

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Alabama was moving the ball incredibly well on offense to start the scrimmage, jumping out to a 31-0 lead ahead of the defense. The defense was allowing several big runs, with Jam Miller, Justice Haynes, and Richard Young all taking advantage of scoring opportunities. Jalen Milroe looked improved as well, finding Germie Bernard twice for over 80 yards.

Is there cause for concern with the Crimson Tide defense?

Head coach Kalen DeBoer doesn't want fans to be concerned, telling the broadcast 'there is a reason' Alabama is playing vanilla on that side of the football.

Whether Alabama is playing vanilla or not, there could be cause for concern from Kane Wommack's crew. They allowed explosive plays from multiple offensive players, while the secondary seemed to show their inexperience outside of Malachi Moore, who appeared to get banged up early but returned later in the game.

The biggest thing defensively? It was a quiet game from Domani Jackson, at least on the first watch. Why is that important? Playing defensive back is a lot like playing offensive line in the sense that having a quiet game means you had a good game. If your name is not called out, it means no one was throwing to that defensive back, which means they are doing their job right.

Outside of that, there were not many bright spots defensively. the defensive line started the day by getting a good push in the trenches and forcing errors and off-platform throws by the quarterbacks.

The linebackers started the day by struggling in run fits and filling gaps, which led to the big plays by Miller, Haynes, and Young. As the game went on, however, They began to make adjustments and stopped some of the big plays on the ground.

However, through the air, a couple of big plays were made. Germie Bernard led the team with over 122 yards receiving, his longest catch being 52 yards. Cole Adams finished the game with 46 yards, Emmanuel Henderson finished with 21, Kobe Prentice finished with 27, and Caleb Odom finished with 18.

Ty Simpson had the most passing yards - 102, but he completed four more passes than Jalen Milroe, who finished with 100 yards in the game.

Overall, the defense struggled early but began to rebound and get some 'points,' which were awarded following three-and-outs, turnovers, and missed field goals. The defense had an 11-point swing after Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. picked off Austin Mack on fourth down, but the takeaway was nullified via a penalty.

one player who was poised to take a big step in Spring, and subsequently, A-Day, was Keon Keeley. instead, he seemed to have the quietest day of all the defenders, with his not being called at all.

Defensive Stat Leaders from A-Day:

Tide 100.9 defensive players of the game:

No. 1 Domani Jackson - CB
No. 41 Justin Okoronkwo - LB
No. 16 Red Morgan - DB
No. 96 Tim Keenan - DL

Final Defensive Takeaways

There is still time. Alabama does not play their first meaningful game until Western Kentucky comes to Tuscaloosa on August 31. However, the inexperience at defensive back is a cause for concern, and Alabama will need someone to step up to the plate quickly. There were flashes by Red Morgan and Keon Sabb, but both players appear to still need time. Jahiem Oatis and Jihaad Campbell did not play in the scrimmage, so getting them back will help provide a strong presence in the defense. The defensive front looks to be able to provide a strong attack, led by Tim Keenan and Tim Smith until the return of Oatis.

The secondary will need to grow up quickly. Domani Jackson can help keep one side of the field secure, but the other defensive backs will get tested early and often in games in the Fall. DeVonta Smith lined up at Husky with the starting offense, while the Tide struggled to find someone opposite Jackson.

The good news? The transfer portal is set to open up on Monday, April 15, and defensive back is a position Kalen DeBoer has said Alabama might try to target.