Alabama LB says some Tide players are playing like they are ‘scared to mess up’

Alabama football players are battling through criticism after a disappointing loss to Florida State.

The Crimson Tide are 0-1 after getting dominated by the Seminoles in the first game of the season.

A lot of factors played a role in the Tide losing 31-17. One of those factors was how the Tide’s players executed their assignments.

On Tuesday, reporters asked Alabama linebacker, Qua Russaw, did the pressure of playing for the Crimson Tide impact how the team performed.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the pressure,” Russaw said. “I feel like this is more of guys just trying to do their job, just a little scared to mess up. But we got guys all over the team, like athletic wise, who can just have fun, man. That’s all the coach is trying to get us to do is just be ourselves. Like, we ain’t gotta hesitate, Just pull the pin and go, no matter the call, the scheme.”

Kalen DeBoer wants his players to play more free in the future:

“What the guys need to do is cut it loose,” DeBoer said. “They just need to go play. They need to block out outside noise, whatever that is, and enjoy and love the game and play it the way it’s meant to be played. That was my message yesterday, is don’t overthink this. Just go out there and ball out. And they know what they’re doing. They need a trust and belief in the training.”

Alabama will look to take a step in the right direction against Louisiana Monroe.