If we think it has been hard as fans of Alabama, it has to have been twice as hard for the players. They have to be able to forget about week one and be about that action the rest of the season. Let the play on the field speak for the team for the rest of the season. The players don't need to worry about the past Bama legacy. They have to worry about their own legacy, and they can still control the narrative.
Winning fixes everything, and that starts Saturday night against UL Monroe. Of course, it won't be about winning the game, but about how the team looks.
Honestly, there will probably be more eyes on an Alabama "cupcake" game Saturday night than ever before. It is up to the players on the field to fix how last season ended and this one has begun. Players have to hold each other accountable when players aren't going all out, when there is a chance to make a tackle or hit a key block. As much as the players are on social media, I know they are tired of hearing how soft they are.
Kalen Deboer and his staff shouldn't have to say much for the intensity and effort to increase greatly. Honestly, the only film that should be looked at is how much of a dog Germie Bernard was by himself in Tallahassee. It should be the older players, such as Deontae Lawson's job, to not only challenge themselves but also the players in general to match Bernard's effort. He has been one of the most consistent players since arriving in Tuscaloosa, and if players aren't matching his consistency, then they need to be benched, no matter who they are. Messages have to be sent that lollygagging and loafing won't be tolerated.
Despite what many are saying about today's players, I know there is a certain pride that the guys in crimson still have. It's time for the effort to match the talent. It comes down to what the players want, as they have the power to turn the season around fully or continue along the path of mediocrity. Hopefully, this week of practice has actually been what you expect to see after a loss, and it translates to the effort from everybody who steps on the grass in Bryant Denny Stadium Saturday night. If nothing else motivates the players, it should be that NIL money is much more lucrative when you walk off the field as a winner.