Nick Saban, the renowned head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, is known for his high standards and no-nonsense approach to coaching. In April of this year, during the Tide’s A-Day spring practice, Saban’s frustration was palpable as he watched four quarterbacks struggle to run the offense effectively.
Saban emphasized the need for his quarterbacks to have a clear plan, trust their progression, and avoid drifting aimlessly in the pocket. It was evident that the quarterback position needed improvement, and Saban’s irritation was unmistakable.
The early part of the season saw Alabama face challenges and question marks. A loss to Texas and a narrow win over South Florida raised concerns about the team’s performance. Many observers believed that Alabama was experiencing a decline.
However, a remarkable turnaround occurred, driven in part by Millard Milroe’s resurgence. Milroe, who had been benched during the USF game, returned as the starting quarterback with newfound confidence and precision. His passes were crisper, and he demonstrated a better understanding of the offense.
Pro Football Focus graded Milroe’s performance for the season at an impressive 90.5, a significant improvement from his earlier struggles against Texas. Delving into the statistics revealed why Milroe had become such a potent offensive weapon.
Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees had unlocked Milroe’s ability to make deep throws, making the Tide a dangerous threat from any part of the field. Nearly a quarter of Milroe’s throws were deep passes, defined as those exceeding 20 yards downfield. On such throws, he recorded 12 touchdowns and only one interception, with 18 of them classified as “Big-Time Throws.”
In contrast, medium-range throws, ranging from 10 to 19 yards, presented a different challenge, with tighter defenses and less separation. Milroe struggled in this category, throwing just three touchdowns and four interceptions, despite a similar number of attempts as deep throws. Six of his medium-range passes were deemed “turnover-worthy plays,” highlighting his difficulty in this range.
However, when Milroe unleashed deep passes, he demonstrated impeccable timing and accuracy, resulting in explosive plays that showcased the true potential of Alabama’s offense.
Milroe’s versatility extended to his running game, where he became a dual-threat dynamo. He effectively scrambled out of broken plays 35 times, gaining 360 yards and converting nearly every run into a first down. Overall, he rushed for 524 yards on 47 attempts, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry.
In summary, Millard Milroe’s transformation into a dual-threat quarterback has rejuvenated the Alabama offense. His improved accuracy on deep throws, combined with his ability to make plays with his legs, has made him a formidable force on the field. As Alabama continues its season, Milroe’s dynamic skill set will be a key asset for the team’s success.