Alabama and the Deep Threat

by twoolf on Nov 5, 2011 2:07 PM CDT

In the ongoing analysis / prediction / beating-of-dead-horses leading up to tonight's ~~Armageddon~~ football game, a recurring point has been 'Bama's lack of a deep threat in the passing game. I don't know how many times I have read or heard a line about how we have no Julio Jones equivalent in the receiver corps this year.

Now, I won't argue the first point -- the deep passing game is probably the weakest link in our offense. It's interesting, though, to compare what's happening this year to what happened when we did have Julio Jones at receiver. In 2009, McElroy completed 49 passes of 15+ yards and 20 passes of 25+ yards in 14 games. In 2011, McCarron has completed 43 passes of 15+ yards and 13 passes of 25+ yards in just 8 games. Statistically, we have had more success with the deep balls this year than we did in 2009.

The counter-argument to this is that Julio required more attention from a defense than does any one of our current receivers -- multiple defenders were required just to account for his presence on the field. Fair enough.

I don't know that I really have a point to make here, but I thought the numbers were interesting.

Roll Tide!

FanPosts are just that; posts created by the fans. They are in no way indicative of the opinions of SBN and the authors of Roll Bama Roll.

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I do know it feels like every time that AJ throws a ball deep

It lands 5 yards in front of the receiver.

Except for the Richardson derp on Saturday when it went through his hands…. again.

by Durdens Wrath on Nov 7, 2011 11:11 AM CST reply actions

One thing on the "long passes"

is to figure out how many of those were dump-off passes to Trent from McCarron, but I seem to remember many of those McElroy to Ingram passes. Both of those guys, especially if they’re screens, can make the passes end up as “long plays”.

The only improvement I’ve seen in our passing game the past few weeks, has actually been the hands of Darius Hanks. He’s made a few catches that could have easily been dropped because McCarron threw it too far in front of him.

In defense of McCarron, route-running isn’t something that’s easily quantifiable, but probably the most important aspect of a QB’s accuracy, even though the route-running is not up to the QB. Since they’re undersized already, it’s much easier to get jammed at the line. And if that happens, the timing on the route is off, and therefore, it makes the QB’s “accuracy” off a bit.

Have to keep in mind, the QB isn’t watching his receivers immediately after the snap, even if under center. He’s making quick reads on what the defense is doing to know where he’s suppose to throw it (shotgun can make those reads more difficult since he has to look at the ball to get the snap). But if a receiver isn’t running the route just right for whatever reason, that could explain any inaccuracies in McCarron’s throws. Although some of his throws are definitely on him.

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his. ~General George S. Patton~

by Skarth on Nov 7, 2011 6:37 PM CST reply actions