AJ McCarron Says Blake Sims Has Done ‘Excellent Job’ [VIDEO]
There might not be anyone more familiar with playing the quarterback position under Nick Saban than former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.
As a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, the Mobile native replaced Greg McElroy after winning a quarterback battle with Phillip Sims and went on to win two national championships as the starter.
Ever since his career ended in January, analysts and fans have both been discussing who should be next in line to replace him under center. While many expected Jake Coker to win the position after transferring from Florida State, Blake Sims, the fifth-year senior, has taken hold of the starting role.
McCarron, now in his first year with the Cincinnati Bengals, joined Ryan Fowler on The Game to share his insight into the most talked-about position on this year's Alabama football team.
"I feel like Blake (Sims) has done an excellent job so far," McCarron told host Ryan Fowler. "After the first week people were giving him heat about it. But if you go back and look at how he played, he put the team in a good position to win the game and that's what Coach Saban wants."
Even though McCarron has been busy getting acclimated to a new team and a 24/7 football schedule, he still keeps in touch with Sims on a weekly basis.
"What I always told him is to use his feet when he can't see something clear in the play or he can't find his guy. That's his weapon, and it's hard for teams to prepare for that because he can throw the ball and can run."
Through the first three games of Alabama's season, Sims has completed 75% of his passes for 646 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing one interception. Many of those throws have gone to junior wide receiver Amari Cooper, but McCarron said Sims is just taking what the defense gives him.
"It's not like I've just seen him drop back and, backyard football-type, just throw it up for grabs and hope Coop out-jumps everybody. He's not doing that. He's taking what they're giving him."
Sims and the Crimson Tide will be facing its toughest defense of the early season on Saturday against the Florida Gators. McCarron will be a guest on The Game every Tuesday night during the season to share his analysis and insight on Alabama football.
You can hear his thoughts on Blake Sims in the video below.