Credit for the title of this post goes to al.com's Nick Kelly, and his complete written words were "Fasten your chinstraps. Bring your hardhats. Brace for impact. The Crimson Tide defense is going to pummel you if you don’t." Kelly added that the words are accurate if "Saturday's scrimmage is any indication."
Kelly nailed the description. His perspective was also shared by guests at the scrimmage. Kane Wommack's defense did exactly what the new Alabama Football Defensive Coordinator wants - attack, attack, attack.
After the scrimmage, Kalen DeBoer stated the Crimson Tide defense and the Alabama offense performed well in the scrimmage. DeBoer was no doubt talking about the results of plays that he described as a give-and-take for both sides of the ball. Some of the visitors inside Bryant-Denny on Saturday credited the Crimson Tide defense with the highest level of intensity.
After talking to practice observers, Nick Kelly reported "The defensive physicality was not for the faint of heart... The tone the defensive backs, and defense overall, set made it clear if you wanted to catch a pass, you would certainly earn it."
With no stats released, scrimmage results are difficult to ascertain. More than a few touchdowns were scored, which means the offense didn't back down and also had success. Alabama's parade of talent at wide receiver was on display again. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson were mentioned by observers as having good scrimmage performances.
What can Alabama football fans learn from Saturday?
It is still too early to offer definitive answers. The 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide is a work in progress. Continued development and improvement can be expected. As Fall Camp winds down, we can hazard some hunches. One hunch is that Kalen DeBoer's offense is as good as it has been reported to be. Given the roster talent, might the '24 Crimson Tide have the potential to become DeBoer's best-ever offense? DeBoer's 2023 Washington offense was No. 2 nationally at 343.7 passing yards per game and No. 12 nationally at 462.1 total yards per game. Alabama's total offense last season was No. 38 at 393.1 yards per game. Against a tough 2024 schedule, the Crimson Tide may not match Washington's production from last season. And that may not be a problem.
Based on a second hunch from Saturday's scrimmage, Alabama's offense may not need to take a big leap forward in the coming season. If Kane Wommack's 'Swarm Attack' performs as it did on Saturday, opposing offenses will have a difficult time running up high-score games.
For Alabama Crimson Tide fans, the prospects grow more exciting.
