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If any team can withstand 2 LB losses, it’s Bama … Here’s why
By Clint Lamb
Published:
The Alabama Crimson Tide are known for their depth at just about every position — well, except kicker. That has led to their decade-long run of dominance in college football.
One game into the season, however, that depth is already being tested at outside linebacker.
Sunday, it was announced that starters Christian Miller (torn bicep) and Terrell Lewis (elbow – ligament damage) would miss the remainder of the season. It’s a massive blow to the Tide’s pass rush, but that’s not where it ends.
Fellow edge rusher Anfernee Jennings is dealing with a sprained ankle and starting inside linebacker Rashaan Evans — who also sees snaps at outside linebacker in certain situations — has a groin injury.
It would be difficult for most teams to overcome this run of injuries — especially to one unit — but Alabama isn’t most teams. Their depth at outside linebacker, and most other positions, will allow them to continue to field one of the SEC’s elite defenses. Here are three reasons:
1. The depth
The Tide will hope to have Jennings and Evans back in the near future. Once that happens, their presence will most certainly give the unit a boost.
Even without those two guys, there’s still talent available, however. Players such as Jamey Mosley, Chris Allen, Mekhi Brown and inside linebacker Dylan Moses — the 5-star true freshman who possesses the versatility to play multiple linebacker spots in Alabama’s defense — are all capable of stepping up to fill the void.
Mosley, the younger brother of former Tide LB C.J. Mosley, could start at the Jack position until Jennings is healthy. The 6-foot-5, 248-pound former walk-on doesn’t have the pedigree that some of the other defenders have, but he has been a pleasant surprise.
Allen, another prized recruit of the 2017 class, could also see snaps as a result of the injuries. The former 4-star has been impressive during fall camp, and head coach Nick Saban has proven that isn’t shy about turning over significant reps to freshman who have earned it.
Out of all the guys who will be involved in the competition, look for Moses to have the best shot at emerging as one of the team’s top pass rushers.
2. The rest of the defense
Between Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams, Alabama’s edge rushers had a significant impact on the team’s ability to get after the quarterback. The team’s leader in sacks over the last two years, however, was none other than Jonathan Allen — an interior defensive lineman.
Alabama’s ability to pressure quarterbacks from the outside linebacker position might have taken a hit, but they have the pieces to make up for that deficiency from other positions. For evidence, look at Saturday night’s game against Florida State.
Two of Alabama’s three sacks came from position not typically known for getting pressure on the quarterback — S Ronnie Harrison and ILB Shaun Dion Hamilton. The lone remaining sack came from interior defensive lineman Raekwon Davis, not an edge rusher.
In addition, players such as CB Tony Brown, who plays the Star position in Alabama’s defense, created pressure as well.
Alabama DB Tony Brown lays the hammer to Francois pic.twitter.com/bwY9vwknA0
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) September 3, 2017
While Saban and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt would love to consistently create pressure from just their front five, that might not be a regularly available option moving forward. They can make it work, however.
3. The coaching staff
Speaking of Saban and Pruitt, they could be the Tide’s most valuable assets in overcoming a loss of this magnitude. Their ability to not only recruit talent — providing the necessary depth — but also to develop that talent will be even more crucial moving forward.
247Sports has named Alabama No. 1 in recruiting seven years in a row.
It’s hard to realistically maintain a “next man up” mentality, but this Alabama roster makes that concept a lot easier.
In the past, Alabama has suffered season-ending losses such as former star LB Dont’a Hightower, and they’ve still remained productive on defense.
Both Saban and Pruitt will have their work cut out for them in filling the void left behind by Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller, but you won’t find a more qualified duo to create a solution than these two coaches.
Clint helps cover the SEC West for Saturday Down South. His work can also be found on USA TODAY Sports, The 'Bama Beat podcast and The Bullpen with TonyMac and The Lamb. Previous stops include SEC Country, 247Sports and Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
