re: Alabama's Defensive Decline by the Numbers

I think Smart is part of the problem as well. Yes, the talent has declined but I really don't like the way he calls games at times. Bama still doesn't know how to defend a running QB. They call too many blitzes which opens up running lanes for QBs especially from the spread. For example, in the LSU game, Smart kept blitzing Jennings on third and long and he kept picking up first downs with his feet. They should have just focused on guarding up the middle and forced Jennings to pick up third and longs through the air. Also, Bama plays way too much man. Why is Eddie Jackson always one-on-one with receivers in deep coverage? Where is the help and why does it always arrive late? Bama is also 41st in opponent 3rd down conversions, 60th in sacks and 86th in interceptions. They aren't very explosive on defense. They don't make big plays on defense and aren't particularly great on getting off the field on third downs either. The great teams, the great defenses force a ton of negative plays from the opponents and that's how they win games by impressive margins.