Why can't AL get a good qb?

They're fine at QB. It's the kicking game that's the problem. They can't seem to find a good kicker.

I've wondered this myself from time to time. I think it just comes down to Saban's philosophy. He doesn't really put the offense completely on his QB, and his QB's approach the game with the goal of efficiently getting the ball to the playmakers, minimizing mistakes, and never being afraid to take the safe option, punt the ball, and let the defense go to work. By contrast, people like Jimbo or Dabo expect their QB's to BE a playmaker. With that mentality, it's hard for a QB to become an amazing passer. To become a great QB you have to make mistakes, and learn from them. Saban would just rather skip the mistakes and go for the win. Obviously Saban has recruited extremely well at the position, but they just never really translate into electrifying playmakers. With that being said, Blake Sims was about as close as anybody we've had, and I think that has a lot to do with Lane.

Solid post. That all makes sense.

With the talent they have I would naturally assume that great qbs would gravitate towards that. Maybe he will open it up a bit more now with Kiffin. As far as game managers though, I think he has that on lock.

Not that I would want an AL team to have an electrifying qb. That would be scary.

I think several factors play into it.

1. Saban's offense is set up to compliment his defense. First and foremost he wants to run the ball, run the clock, and grind the opposing defense into the ground while allowing his defense to rest.

2. Alot of QBs would rather play on a high powered passing offense as opposed to a run first offense.

3. I think Saban looks more for intelligence than talent with his QBs. He wants a QB that will manage the game and not make mistakes. And he values that over ones that take risks that don't always pay off.

4. The SEC tends to have much better defenses than the rest of the country.

You combine all those things and you end up with a quarterback that is pretty restricted in his ability to put up outstanding numbers.

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Yeah, I would say that McElroy epitomizes that concept especially considering his wonder lick score, but wasn't he one of Shula's boys?

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Yeah, he was.