Greg McElroy suggests Alabama could use a two-quarterback system in 2023

There’s an old adage that if a team has two quarterbacks, then they don’t really have one. However, former Alabama quarterback and current analyst for ESPN Greg McElroy isn’t buying into that idea for the Crimson Tide in 2023.

During an appearance on SEC Now ahead of SEC media days, McElroy made the argument that Alabama should consider a two-quarterback system amid its lengthy quarterback battle.

“What I envision is there being a quarterback, perhaps between the 20s, and then you get in the redzone the offense is going to change because you’re going to feature a little bit more quarterback run,” McElroy said. “Jalen Milroe might have a say in that. Tyler Buchner might have a say in that. Then, Ty Simpson being more of a pocket passer that can move, it’s not his strength but he can move, I think he’s going to be the distributor between the 20s and then kind of see how things go as they get closer to the goal line.”

As McElroy explained, he expects Ty Simpson to make a push for the starting job and doesn’t think it’ll be decided until after the regular season has started. He also thinks that even once the battle is decided, it might make sense to use a player like Simpson before bringing in a more athletic quarterback in the redzone.

“So, Paul, it’s anybody’s guess. I do think we’re getting to a world now where a two-quarterback system can work. We’ve seen it work in other places, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Bama use one this year.”

This would be a strange sight for many fans, but if there’s one coach who could make it work, it’s probably going to be Nick Saban.

Greg McElroy is high on Alabama’s offense

Despite the questions at quarterback, Greg McElroy is still very high on Alabama and the Crimson Tide offense.

“A lot of people have been talking about how this group is taking a step back. The coordinators are changing. The quarterback’s a problem and the offensive line isn’t as good as it used to be and the running backs are a question mark and you have the receivers that aren’t as good as they once were,” McElroy said.

“It’s like, goodness gracious alive. They’re still pretty dang good. At what point are we going to start to evaluate Alabama not based on what Alabama’s been but based on what Alabama is up against. Last I checked, I know Georgia is superhuman. I get that and they have been the last couple years. But they had to replace a lot too. Everyone’s just looking at Carson Beck, oh Carson Beck’s gonna step right in and he’s gonna be an All-American. How do we know Ty Simpson won’t step right in for Alabama and be an All-American? Or Tyler Buckner or Jalen Milroe. I don’t know. I don’t know who the guy is going to be.”