Alabama fans are looking forward to the new signal caller in 2009. But is that such a good thing? One of our regular readers (and an Auburn fan) offers a healthy dose of skepticism about Alabama’s quarterback outlook.

Julio wrote:
See, you (Tide fans) really don’t even want to acknowledge the obvious. You think (John Parker Wilson) JPW sucked and he won’t be missed?? You think McElroy is going to be instantly better?? Newsflash kids…if McElroy were already better than JPW, he’d have been the starter this year. I don’t think Saban stuck with JPW because he’s such a sentimental guy that he thought a senior deserved to play over a sophomore. If Saban thought he had even a half percent better chance of winning with McElroy than he did with JPW, then JPW would have been riding the pine all season.

In fact, let me remind you (Tide fans) what Saban said last summer in response to a question about a potential qb race/controversy for the 08 season: “Every time a Tide fan puts their head on their pillow, they ought to hope and pray that John Parker has a good year. Because the best chance that we have to have a good team and have a good season rests on the fact that he’s a two-year starter and he’s improved as a quarterback and played with more consistency.” Yeah, that statement just oozes with confidence in McElroy.

P.S. That’s not to say that McElroy won’t be any good. In fact, I think he’s got a lot of potential. But there’s a learning curve involved with all new qb’s, and some take a lot longer than others. GM will get his trial by fire in the Georgia Dome against Va Tech.

Julio has some good words there that fans should remember. Experience is a big factor in quarterback play. Lack of experience doesn’t mean Alabama won’t have a good year next season, but having a senior quarterback was a big plus in 2008. Agree or disagree with Julio’s thoughts?
[poll id=”16″]

17 thoughts on “Alabama’s QB race (outsiders view)”

  1. Not gonna put much stock into a comment made last summer, given what we saw when it was crunch time in the fall.

  2. errrr, Kreskin…when was McElroy in the game during “crunch time” at all last season?? Bama must have played 15 games this year, because in the 14 I saw or heard about McElroy only came in for mop up duty (and yes that includes the td he threw against Auburn).

  3. STARR Jackson MUST be the QB… We will have a huge controversy if it is anyone but starr… ISn’t that what Julio was really saying?????????????

  4. When Jackson doesnt get the nod, I dont want to hear squat from you Bammers when Im yelling RACISM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. Hey Cappy, you used my post as the subject of an article. Does that mean I can get a press pass now and walk on the sidelines like Shane??

  6. Bet the house that STAR will see lots of playing time..And when he does it will be nothing but greatness on the field.The guy can move and can jet with the ball..A qb that we as bama fans have not seen in a long time;;unless he was a opponent.Take it to the bank because BIG JW SAID IT”

  7. It’s quite alright because McElroy, and the ENTIRE second string offense, still hung seven on the Barnies last November: which is more than they hung on us THE ENTIRE GAME!

  8. Racism is an ugly thing gentlemen. Ugly indeed.

  9. IMO Smelley is better than Both and Proven somewhat…. He has to sit out a year but what happens when he can play?
    ANd COOP your a damn FOOL who doesnt think outside your own damn head, A lil advice STFU and we noone will know your stupid!

  10. We are adequately manned at the QB position and I am much less worried about that than the Oline that protects them. We lost 2 All Americans to the NFL on the line and that is a much larger concern than the QB. Mcelroy is solid and knows the offense much better than JP and better than some of the coaches. Star is the superior athlete and will be an upgrade from JP or Mcelroy. Don’t forget McCarren who is a very smart and very athletic QB who reminds me much of an injury free Brody. Whoever wins the job I feel it is the least of our concerns, especially since Florida is returning everyone accept Harvin and they are a monster.

  11. I like McCarron chances and percentages. what 150 tds against 3 interceptions?
    I cant remember the exavt #s but they were scary.
    I am sure Bama will be fine if the O-line steps up.

  12. nateg………………….What is an injury free Brody? Never heard of one before. It will probably be by committee until a true starter wins the job. But who knows , there may already be a clear cut choice.

  13. Julio,
    Frankly, you’re stupid.
    It’s common knowledge here in Tuscaloosa that the “better” QB is mcelroy. End of story. Why did he not play, because JPW had more experience in SEC play.
    This “mopup” crap is mcelroy gaining experience, and I don’t care what you say, that TD against auburn was vs auburns first string, and it was a pass JPW couldn’t have passed in his wildest dreams.
    Mcelroy will start and Alabama will be a better passing team for it. Will he e able to lead and control the team? Only time will tell, as sheer QB talent and IQ though, everyone, including saban, knows mcelroy is more talented and gifted.
    And regardless.. Shut up, you have a Much bigger problem at QB with auburn. Because right now you got two practical jokes trying to play that position for y’all.
    Rolltide.
    And atop talking like you know alabaama football.

  14. Stephen……..Only someone who is “stupid” would claim that the “better” quarterback is the one on the bench. The proper words to describe would be “more potential”…….Does he have more potential. We heard the same crap about JPW having more potential than Croyle.

Comments are closed.