Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy makes bizarre comment about Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce
Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback/current ESPN college football analyst had a bizarre take on Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce on Monday morning. McElroy, who called Tennessee's 24-17 win against Alabama on Saturday night, said on Monday morning on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning that Pearce, who is viewed as a top NFL draft […]
Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback/current ESPN college football analyst had a bizarre take on Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce on Monday morning.
McElroy, who called Tennessee's 24-17 win against Alabama on Saturday night, said on Monday morning on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning that Pearce, who is viewed as a top NFL draft prospect, had been "underwhelming" before the Vols' win against the Crimson Tide.
"James Pearce, I'll just say, the part that not just I was saying, but scouts were saying it, he's considered 'the best player in the sport' — he hadn't flashed all year," said McElroy. "I think he's had a very underwhelming season, if we're going to be honest. But I thought he really played his best game (against Alabama). He was very disruptive in this game. I thought it was a really good tape for him, all things considered."
I know Pearce hasn't put up gaudy numbers this year — and maybe McElroy came to his conclusion by just looking at box scores — but he's been far from "underwhelming".
Just last week, in fact, Pearce was named the SEC defensive lineman of the week for his performance against the Florida Gators.
Going into the game against Alabama, Pearce led all defensive linemen and edge rushers in the nation with a 21.63% pressure rate (via PFF).
So you're telling me that McElroy thinks the pass rusher with the best pressure rate in the nation had been "underwhelming" going into the Alabama game?
Truly a bizarre take.
As for Pearce's stats, it's important to remember that the Charlotte native played just 10 snaps in Tennessee's season-opening win against Chattanooga. Against NC State, Pearce played only 29 snaps. And against Kent State, Pearce played just 14 snaps.
(Pearce's snap counts started increasing once the Vols got into SEC play — he played 54 snaps against Oklahoma.)
I don't know what McElroy has been watching this season, but Pearce has been fantastic. He has 3.5 sacks in his first four SEC games, he's pressuring the quarterback as well anyone in the nation, and he's part of a defense that's one of the best in the nation (UT has the No. 4 scoring defense in college football).
McElroy usually has plenty of great insight to offer, but he missed the mark badly with this take.
