From the Sideline — Chris Stewart Shares Quick Thoughts on Alabama Football

Now that I've flown back from Dallas, done three radio shows (two on this station, and another for CTSN), and taken a deep breath from Alabama's season opener, here are a few thumbnail thoughts on the team.

- Derrick Henry is even better than we hoped. I've never seen a guy run for that many yards (147), score three touchdowns (including a 56-yarder), and yet have some of the biggest chatter is about him surround a BLOCK. The job he did picking up a blitz - then maintaining the block - is another prime example of how he has elevated his game.

- Richard Mullaney is a tremendous pickup for this team. He won't come close to being the offensive MVP, or perhaps even the leader in receptions. But the things I heard about him in preseason camp appear to be true: He's really smooth, and doesn't drop anything.

- Mullaney can be a great complimentary receiver. He doesn't HAVE to be the go-to guy. Plenty of talent there, and it looks like Robert Foster is ready to emerge.

- Reuben Foster is now more than just a freak hitter on special teams. He's learning to play the linebacker slot, and has improved as a tackler - for his own well-being, as much as the poor ball carriers that get in his path.

- JK Scott is human. Kickers are often compared to golfers: It's all about confidence and rhythm - both of which appear to be off right now. How long that happens to be the case will go a long way to ward determining just how dominant this team will be. It will be tough to move the football against this defense from one end of the field to the other. If he struggles, and gives the opposition a short field, it changes the game entirely.

- MTSU is pretty good, and it may be tough for the Tide to match the expectations this week in Vegas. That being said, the margin of victory isn't what's important. It's the margin of improvement.

It's a key week. Ole Miss is good - plenty good enough to beat Alabama. Bama needs to get better this week, to make sure that doesn't happen.