Re: Will Saban be doing Hurts a disservice? (regarding JH's future)
This is pretty simple for Jalen. He got too protective and conservative with the football. This is a combination of his football IQ, Bama game plan and Saban demanding protect the ball. Think of about it. We just went through 14 games and the kid had 1 INT. On the surface that looks like an incredible number but in actuality its a very telling stat. He did not take enough chances. He did not try to make the big plays, even when tbe team needed one. This day an age, if Alabama is going to stay on top we need to be aggressive and challenge some teams. Not sell out to protect the ball at all cost.
I think Jalen has it in him to be more aggressive and take chances. He just chose to protect the ball and force nothing. Thats what coach wanted. Unfortunately, its not like a light switch. You cant just turn that skill on and off when you want. Its a complete mindset and will take some time to force himself into the mindset of attacking a play and not just waiting for it to be perfect. We have watched all year Jalen see guys virtually open but he chose not to attempt the throw or you could see he was thinking too much. It's because he is too focused on not turning the ball over. If we are honest about this, Coach has to take this blame moreso than Jalen. Jalen was only doing exactly what Saban has preached for 10 years to every QB. Sure Jalen took it to the extreme. But hard fo argue with the teams success.
I think coach sits him down and says. Here is the deal. I have pushed too far on the side of being conservative. We still want to protect the ball. But we have to have a QB that is aggressive and takes chances at the right times. He puts Jalen mentally on the same playing field as Tua who to be honest fears nothing right now. We all know that is too far to the other extreme. He has to become smarter with the ball. (i.e. Sack in OT, forced pass on run play, securing football when he runs, time management, etc.)
This could get really interesting if Jalen is able to accept this change and become an aggressive passer.