Alabama football mailbag: Readers sound off on 2022 expectations| Goodbread
Welcome to the Sounding Board, an interactive column we'll occasionally use to bring the Alabama fan's voice to (digital) print, allowing for everything from thoughtful insight to angry rant, filtered by nothing but me, your humble gatekeeper, cherry-picking both questions and commentary from what is college football's most ardent fan base.
I'll try to strike the right balance between serious analysis and completely unserious fun, and your end of the bargain is to keep feeding me questions and opinions that offer a little of both. Deal? Done. We start with what's on your mind about Alabama football entering the 2022 season.
With the way the offensive line finished the season last year, what do you think the expectations should be coming into this year? Especially having to replace Evan Neal.- Christian, Charlotte NC
I'll be blunt, Christian: Expectations shouldn't be lower anywhere else on the field. That's not to say it won't be an effective line, but it's the biggest unknown of any position group. Nick Saban is installing new starters at both tackle positions, which he's rarely if ever had to do at Alabama, and in the pass-happy era we're living in, tackle play (i.e. pass protection) butters the bread. Expect to see transfer tackle Tyler Steen on the left side to begin the season. And he'll have more eyes on his play in the opener against Utah State than he did all season last year when he was at Vanderbilt.
ON RECORD: Three takeaways from transfer Jahmyr Gibbs' first Alabama football news conference
SABAN'S 15: Celebrate Nick Saban's 15 epic seasons at Alabama football with our special book!
Is the internet chatter about the defensive backfield being more formidable even close to accurate? Or, is this another preseason hype campaign with this being the best Alabama defense since X.- Barry, Brunswick, GA
Buy the hype in the middle of the field, Barry. There will be a wealth of talent and experience at the safety and nickel spots. Jordan Battle is primed for a big season, and a couple of NFL scouts I've spoken with believe DeMarcco Hellams to be underappreciated as a pro prospect. As for the corners, check back in a month or so and let's see what's developed.
Who has more sacks this season, Dallas Turner, or Will Anderson? (I only ask because one would think Anderson is going to get chipped and double-teamed frequently).- Rusty, Huntsville
It's a fair point that Anderson will be the guy who opposing offensive coordinators build their game plans around. Turner will benefit from that. But Anderson didn't exactly sneak up on people last year, and averaged more than a sack per game while battling through plenty of extra attention. If Las Vegas oddsmakers put your question on the board, Anderson would be what's called "chalk" (a heavy favorite). Go with the chalk here, Rusty.
Outside of Bryce Young and Will Anderson, who is the player or what is the position where a significant injury would affect us the most?- Matt, Nashville TN
See Christian's question up top, Matt.
There’s a ton of hype surrounding Will Anderson. When is the last time you remember so much anticipation for a defensive player?- Chase, Trophy Club, TX
Bobby Bouchet, for sure. Before that, Charles Jefferson of Ridgemont High (Google as needed, youngsters). Seriously, it's a short list. At Alabama, you might go back to Derrick Thomas. For me personally, perhaps Deion Sanders at FSU, who toyed with college receivers like no corner I've ever seen. Both were total game-changers well before their college eligibility was up, much like Anderson.
By all accounts, Alabama has three very talented quarterbacks on the roster with Young, Milroe, and Simpson. With today’s transfer rules, how do you keep multiple talented quarterbacks on your roster?- Davey, Helena
You don't. Beyond the starter, they come and they go. In a column earlier this summer, I advocated for the logic of signing two QBs in every signing class, because the transfer portal can wreck a quarterback room in a single offseason. That said, if Young is looking at his last year in 2022, it wouldn't make sense for Milroe or Simpson to bolt right as the job comes open.
Outside of Jermaine Burton, who is the pass catcher you expect to step up and get the majority of the 'Burton-less' targets? - Tyler, Louisville
From an explosiveness standpoint, you'd like to see Burton complemented by a pure wide receiver who can stretch the field vertically. From a what-we-know-now standpoint, however, it's worth noting that tight end Cameron Latu was targeted 38 times last year, per Pro Football Focus, which is significantly more than any receiver Alabama brings back. As Young looks to find a groove with the receivers, Latu won't be forgotten,
Reach Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football fans sound off on 2022 expectations
