Just got the Week of August 4 magazine with C.C. Sabathia on the cover and noticed Channing Crowder had a full two pages to himself! It was an 8 page acticle with different NFL players about switching positions, call New Digs. Crowder was on the opening page in the article. Here's what the magazine says: CHANNING CROWDER, DOLPHINS Weakside linebacker to middle linebacker "Nobody can replace Zach Thomas," Channing Crowder says, but the Dolphins are confident he can do it- and so is Crowder. He shifted from the weak side to the middle to fill in for Thomas several times last season when Thomas was injured, and he played middle linebacker at Florida. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, aware of Crowder's leadership skills, intelligence and instincts, has annointed Crowder the signal-caller on defense. "Even though the defensive system is new, I'm already growing comfortable with it," says Crowder, a fourth-year player who led the team in tackles last season despite missing five games. He is rehabbing after a December knee surgery. That's all they said about him, but figured I should let anyone who is interested know about it.
I dont think it's really realistic to suggest that Crowder is "changing positions". There's not really a huge difference in what he is doing from his pro career so far to what he's doing right now. Position-wise and responsibility wise he wasnt a traditional 4-3 weakside linebacker, he was sitting over an uncovered guard just like a 3-4 ILB.
It is safe to say that crowder is never going to be ZT's replacement. he IS serviceable though, but we should really keep looking...
I honestly think that when his career is over he will make a pro bowl or two which is good but unfortunately after following zach it doesnt seem like much
Haha, Jasper Brinkley I believe that is. Hasn't Brinkley had trouble staying healthy the last couple years or am I thinking of another LB on their team? Back on topic, I'm been impressed with what we've heard about Crowder. Previous years, he seemed somewhat lazy to view film but now has picked it up. Also, him making calls is pretty big considering there is Akin Ayodele right next to him, who played in this system while in Dallas. He seems very comfortable and confident as stated in the write-up and that's huge. I'm hoping for a big year from Channing and I somewhat expect it since I believe it is his contract year.
Why would you hope for a player on your team to be gone? If you're for winning, you want the player on your team to be good. Therefore you don't waste a draft pick and/or another offseason hoping someone else is any good. You want this guy to be good.
He doesn't have the injury bug label, but he did have a season ender against LSU last year, but he's back at 100%. Aug 28th prime time season opener against NCST. Can't wait!
I can really see Channing having an outstanding year. It sounds like its all starting to click. More then that HE BELIEVE IN THIS SYSTEM. Confidence like that will have a positive effect on his play. I think he has the personality that can be effected, positively, from a person like Joey Porter whom I think is going to become a leader on this team.
I agree, I am not a huge fan. Never have been. I would like to see us go after a LB in the next draft, next yrs Linebackers class looks to be a very good one. The one from USC looks like he is going to be a stud. And I dare say Laurinautis reminds me of Urlacher, just not as quick.
I think channing has looked more quick and expolsive so i believe he will have his best year by far, what worries me is his core strength, its below average for a man his size,his trunk is very narrow, i dont believe him to be a number one linebacker but i think he could grow into a solid player.
