Nick Saban weighs in on Bryce Young’s benching in the NFL

Alabama head coach Nick Saban says he was surprised by Bryce Young’s benching in the NFL.

“I was surprised,” Saban said. “I thought he was playing well. I thought he gave them a chance to win.”

Young was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Derek Carr in the fourth quarter of the Raiders’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Carr led the Raiders to a come-from-behind victory, but Young’s benching raised questions about his future with the team.

Saban said he believes Young has the potential to be a successful NFL quarterback.

“I think he’s got all the tools,” Saban said. “He’s got a great arm. He’s a good runner. He’s smart. He’s tough. I think he’s got all the ingredients to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.”

However, Saban also said that Young needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy.

“He’s got to make better decisions,” Saban said. “He’s got to be more accurate with the football. But I think he’s got all the tools to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.”

It remains to be seen whether Young will be able to regain his starting job with the Raiders. However, Saban’s comments suggest that he believes Young has the potential to be a successful NFL quarterback.