It's impossible to do it the "other" way anymore. IMO, CNS became fully convinced, no doubt he already knew, as he saw one of the greatest college defense's of all time give up 35 to Clemson with a great QB and good WRs in 2016. They gave up 40 the year before with another great D. It is possible to stone a running game simply with numbers. It is impossible to stop a passing offense with a great QB and good or better WRs and just a decent OL. They can be even less talented but "on", e.g., Stephen Garcia or Trevor Knight, and you cannot stop them. IMO, Saban never wanted to have to depend on one player, QB, to win games. In the past the passing game was much more inconsistent - the QB could be just a little off and cripple the O for that game but now with all of the focus/practice that is given to the passing game, the the skill is off of the charts. Players routinely make throws and catches that in the past were "once a year" type plays. It's not just the rules that have changed, and they have, but the skill in the passing game is phenomenal. You cannot shut down a good passing game, much less a great one. CNS know it - he has changed his approach.
(Btw, most know you are a Bama fan but since you're such an extreme pessimist it's understandable that someone who's not paying close attention might be fooled.) Yeah, the D had a bad game - it happens. And yes they have some ongoing problems but they are definitely above average, probably good, nothing like OU, and most importantly are probably good enough to win another NC. Ark put up 30 on the arguably Bama's greatest D in 2016. It was all against the ones too as were the 40 OM put up and Clemson's 35. Yes, those Os are better than 2018 Ark. Still...
Bama now has a transcendent QB, a very good OL, very good RBs, and great if not transcendent WRs (the WRs are incredible and very well coached by Gattis) and a good receiving TE. It is as close to unstoppable as an offense can be. Even if they play a great D and are off they can probably still put up 35-45. All of this assuming good health.
