The headline may seem a bit negative — leading with a statement about the defensive linemen regressing. But context is important here. As we wrote last year, statistically the 2021 DL unit turned out the best performance the Crimson Tide saw since the star-studded 2016 group, led by Jon Allen.
Your eyes didn’t lie to you, and the statistics were not illusory.
The 2021 Alabama defensive line was outstanding. In fact, it was the most productive one since that generational 2016 Crimson Tide defense. But, where that team was led by a superstar, the 2021 iteration was one of veteran talent, improved second-year starters, and a quiet leader finally emerging.