BOL published this article a couple of days ago looking at the opposite end of what most fans are discussing lately—the positives of the 2014 season to date. Here's a look at the five positive things their beat writers offered:
One thing not mentioned in that write-up is the entire team developing a passion about competing. Several of the offensive linemen were among the most vocal this past week while critiquing their own play. Shepard's comments about it being their worse performance in his recollection and others talking about competing at a championship level demonstrate, to me, the mental passion we've looked for is being built upon. (The one point win very well may be looked back upon and noted as a turning point for this team.)
It was either @bama alum or @bamaledge that linked a editorial/commentary a few weeks ago about the team appearing to have lost, or forgotten, about the "fun factor" in winning. Recent interviews with players show that's not something lost with this group of guys.
Saban made this comment earlier this week: “When Landon Collins intercepted the ball at the end of the game, I haven’t seen that much emotion out of our team in a long time.”
It was echoed by several players including Jonathan Allen: “It was great. Running down the field, I was tired but had to go celebrate with him. I was happy for him. He’s a great guy and works hard, and he deserves it.”
“It was the most emotion we’ve shown all year. I think we need more of that. A team that is emotionally attached to one another will play harder for one another. Now I feel like that’s a big key of playing defense.”
~You asked for it, you got it—playoffs.
I'm choosing to look at the remainder of the season in this light. In the NFL fans talk of their teams peaking at the right time. We're at the mid-point of the season and I'm seeing things that lead me to think things are coming together.
- Everything is still on the table.
- Defense is developing an identity.
- Offensive potential is still high.
- Great Scott.
- Mistakes are correctable.
One thing not mentioned in that write-up is the entire team developing a passion about competing. Several of the offensive linemen were among the most vocal this past week while critiquing their own play. Shepard's comments about it being their worse performance in his recollection and others talking about competing at a championship level demonstrate, to me, the mental passion we've looked for is being built upon. (The one point win very well may be looked back upon and noted as a turning point for this team.)
It was either @bama alum or @bamaledge that linked a editorial/commentary a few weeks ago about the team appearing to have lost, or forgotten, about the "fun factor" in winning. Recent interviews with players show that's not something lost with this group of guys.
Saban made this comment earlier this week: “When Landon Collins intercepted the ball at the end of the game, I haven’t seen that much emotion out of our team in a long time.”
It was echoed by several players including Jonathan Allen: “It was great. Running down the field, I was tired but had to go celebrate with him. I was happy for him. He’s a great guy and works hard, and he deserves it.”
“It was the most emotion we’ve shown all year. I think we need more of that. A team that is emotionally attached to one another will play harder for one another. Now I feel like that’s a big key of playing defense.”
~You asked for it, you got it—playoffs.
I'm choosing to look at the remainder of the season in this light. In the NFL fans talk of their teams peaking at the right time. We're at the mid-point of the season and I'm seeing things that lead me to think things are coming together.
