After watching ten games this season, I have finally discovered the source of the problem with Alabama's offense. It's not consistency as some have suggested. It's not negative plays at critical moments, although that has been a tactical problem on key plays to be sure. It's not blocking, playcalling, or any of the other standard explanations. It's not even special teams or field goal kicking. It's AJ McCarron, and to a lesser extent, Coach Saban.
In ten games, I cannot recall a single downfield, normal, vertical pass over 20 yards to which McCarron has connected. He has overthrown, and/or thrown over the receiver's wrong shoulder on every single play. I firmly believe that he is completely incapable of making a downfield throw or any play over about six yards that is not designed for the receiver to gain the necessary yardage after the catch. He does not have good vision downfield, a strong arm, or the ability to make a play when necessary. He is Greg McElroy, without natural leadership ability. His lack of ability shows just how bad Phil Sims must be, and how bare Alabama's quarterback cupboard really is.
This offense clearly lacks leadership. Against Florida, McCarron failed to gain three inches on three plays from the three-inch line and settled for a field goal. Against Miss St, he needed 3 inches on 4th down and gained one. As the quarterback, McCarron is tasked with managing the offense and playcalling, motivating the offensive players on the field, and making a play or two on critical 3d down and distance plays. From what I've observed, he accomplishes none of these. When I see Alabama huddle, it's Trent Richardson that is clapping and attempting to inspire the players, not McCarron. There is no indication whatsoever that the offense responds to McCarron, evidenced by the lack of production, and the apparent lack of unit energy, motivation, and drive. The offense seems to move despite McCarron, not because of him. Any spark from the Alabama offense is provided by Richardson and Lacy behind a seasoned and disciplined offensive line working independently of McCarron.
Of course, Saban doesn't expect, or want McCarron to do anything else. My guess is that Jim McElwain and McCarron want to do a little more on offense. Saban, however, is satisfied with the Jarrett Lee/Matt Mauck offensive model of a great defense doing its job to place a strong running game in a field position battle to win the game by close margins. Saban quarterbacks are limited to basic and predictable downfield throws out of traditional play-action and shotgun formations, to the same receivers, on first down. In other words, everyone in the stadium can predict Alabama's pass offense. Saban prefers screens, slants, quick hitches to receivers behind the line of scrimmage, and other low-risk, high percentage plays. Without a legitimate downfield passing ability, it's easy for good opponents to defend it. It's then up to running backs to gain almost impossible yardage against 7-8 man defensive fronts.
Alabama has been bailed out time and again his season by athletic individualism and the mistakes of other teams. It has capitalized on the fact that most other SEC rivals are incapable of moving the ball against Alabama's defense. As a result, Saban's offensive philosophy and McCarron's deficiencies have been overcome by the tremendous independent efforts of Alabama running backs and offensive line. The only game in which it didn't work resulted in a loss that likely rendered Alabama's season virtually meaningless (unless you feel that Sugar Bowl participation without winning the SEC is meaningful).
This is Stallings 2.0. Great defense, terrible offenses run by mediocre game managers, and "a win is a win." I'm not asking for ridiculous scores in the 50s. I'm asking for an offense that can actually throw the ball downfield. I'm asking for an offense that doesn't rely on field goal kicking to win games. I'm asking for an offense that can provide the slightest bit of excitement and productivity from someone other than a running back. With Alabama's defense, it's not opposing teams that present the greatest challenge to success...it's Alabama itself.
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