Alabama LB Deotae Lawson: ‘We got to Execute at a Higher Level’

On Saturday, Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Despite the Crimson Tide's defense holding the Tigers to no touchdowns and under ten points in their 11-point victory, Deontae Lawson, a fifth-year senior linebacker, was unimpressed with the team's performance.

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Following Alabama’s victory over LSU, Lawson addressed the media, stating, “We got things that we need to clean up and you know we got to execute at a higher level if we are really trying to be the defense that we want to be and we’ll get back tomorrow.” The fifth-year senior linebacker, currently third in tackles for the Tide’s defense, has not allowed an SEC team to score more than 24 points. Despite these impressive statistics, Lawson believes the defense has not yet reached the level it aims to achieve.

Lawson had an incredible game tonight, recording nine tackles and being a massive part of why the Tigers couldn't find any rhythm in the run game with the Tide holding LSU to only 59 rushing yards in Saturday’s win. Lawson was asked about his recent performances and how he seems to improve each week, to which he responded by praising his teammates, specifically the defensive line. He went on to credit his hard work and doing his job.

“First, I just want to talk about the D-Line. I could barely read my run pass indicators because they get in the backfield so fast, so man, salute to those guys.” Lawson added, “Just trying to do what I can, you know, just trying to continue to improve and get better. I know I put a lot of work in, and I'm just gonna keep going.”

When asked if he thought this was a championship defense, Lawson said yes, but reiterated that the unit needed to clean up some things and play at a higher level that he and his teammates know they are capable of.

“I say it all the time that this is a championship defense.” Lawson said, “I just think that we can execute better if we want to, you know, be that championship defense, and we have all the right guys and have a great scheme. We gotta continue to get better on the practice field and let it show on Saturday.”

Lawson was asked about the defense’s ability to generate timely turnovers. In the last two games, Alabama's defense forced crucial turnovers: one was a fumble late in the fourth quarter during a tied 22-22 game against South Carolina, and the other was Yhonzae Pierre’s strip sack in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s victory. Lawson attributed this success to the team’s ongoing focus on forcing turnovers in the late stages of games.

“I just think that's what we preach. We preach on taking the ball away from people, and getting the ball back to our offense.” Lawson added, “That's something that we are all in on at practice. That's how we start every practice, taking the ball away in our turnover circuit, and that's just what we pride ourselves on.”

Lawson and the Tide will improve their winning streak to eight games and remain undefeated in conference play as they face Oklahoma, led by quarterback John Mateer, next Saturday, November 15th, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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