Alabama Football: What Little Birdies Are Saying About Final Practices

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) These are the days that practices are closed but to a few, but you can't keep everything shut out when so many hang on everything that happens pertaining to the Crimson Tide.

What you should know is:

1. The air defense is coming around

After being trampled by the offense in an air show that made the U.S. "Shock and Awe" campaign against Iraq look mild, the defense is finally getting their legs under them.

Most writers think Nick Saban unleashed the full potential of the number one offense on the team to show them how much harder they needed to toil and it worked.

After being "bombed" for 13 touchdowns, a recent practice saw them just manage four. The defensive backs are showing much improvement and quicker breaks on the ball.

2. The run defense is solid

Turning the top three backs loose produced some head scratching results for some, but not this old veteran. Eddie Lacy actually did better than either Mark Ingram or Trent Richardson in practice and showed why most in the country feel this is the best running back trio in the nation.

However, with that being said, he got only 61 yards compared to Ingram's 46 yards on 12 carries and Richardson's 20 yards on only six carries, but he did leave early with a hard lick on the shoulder that curtailed his day's work.

Dont'a Hightower showed why is the man on defense; he was everywhere but the offensive huddle. Anybody who thinks he isn't back and better than before is now dealt to the fool's region of reality. He led in tackles and was directing traffic like Rolando at his peak.

3. The passing game looks good

Though the defensive backs didn't give up the big plays, Richardson did score a TD on a 20-yard reception from McElroy before leaving, and Julio had a solid day of good grabs with tight coverage.

4. Special teams work is getting better.

Foster only missed one FG, a 52-yard attempt, but made another attempt at the same length, both punters are showing more consistency, and, overall, Saban and company breathed a sigh of relief from the efforts on the entire special teams play.

5. Other receivers who were predicted to step up certainly did.

Kevin Norwood looked like he could snag anything thrown in his direction and Brandon Gibson showed why next year won't drop off if Julio does indeed leave early for the NFL.

Both showed a ton of physicality in trying to get every yard possible.

6. With Colin Peek leaving, some were worried. Don't be.

Brad Smelly stepped up his game just fine with five catches for 71 yards to lead all receivers. McElroy and the other QBs seem to always know where the tight end is when that first or second read isn't open.

7. The QBs are doing well

Speaking of quarterbacks, all three looked good, but more importantly, comfortable, even in rushed situations. The depth there should give all fans a little more reason to sleep soundly.

8. Saban is happy.

Given the short practice schedule, new players in different roles and such, Nick Saban isn't grumbling too much and that could mean trouble for opponents early on.