I hope he stays with us.

 

I don't know about doom, but he has had knee troubles in the past, do you sign a guy to a big contract if its the same knee?

We did miss him last weekend.

 

I think it will depend on what the docs tell the coaches as far as the integrity of his knees.
I have a feeling MLB is going to be a high priority acquisition next year.

 

Are we watching the same guy on the field?

I'm not bashing on Crowder, but I wouldn't exactly use your descriptions to define his play on the field. It is clear that we missed him last week. But I'm not sure if he is the answer at LB for us long term.

 

We are in the middle of the battle as it were, but Channing is having knee troubles just like last season, Sparano has said some positive things about him.

"But"...IMO that could be one slot that is primed for an upgrade this offseason, if we look at what positions make impact plays, and which ones do not, ILB is in the "not" category, that could be scheme, it could be physical limitations.

One thing about Channing though, every year...100 tackles...he is a tackling machine, he just doesn't do very much else though.

 

I've read in other posts that Crowder is a player a lot like Antonio Pierce up in New York, and I think that's a valid description.

Our scheme doesn't call for either Crowder or Ayodele to make big plays in the backfield, or blitz the passer. It relies on gap responsibility and making the initial tackle. He's never going to be Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, or Zach Thomas, because that isn't what our scheme asks him to do. Don't forget that he's also had the responsibility of calling the plays on the defensive side of the ball this year, either.

Channing isn't without his flaws. I wish that he were more fluid in coverage, and that he was a bit more instinctive when hitting the hole. Still, he's a young player and seems to be blossoming from playing in a scheme that takes advantage of his skills. I don't see why you don't lock him up. Even if it's a short term solution, you could still look at getting something of value for him in a year or two.

That said, if there are durability concerns, there's no reason you don't explore the position in the draft. Ayodele isn't exactly a spring chicken, and I'm sure the front office wouldn't mind some inside backers that produced a few more highlights than the current starters. Even if you resign Channing, you can still groom whoever you draft to take over for him at some point.

If you're looking for life without Channing, look no further than last week, when Larry Johnson went for over 100 yards on us with just 12 carries. If he isn't healthy this week, Thomas Jones may well be in line for a huge game.

 

I think last week showed pretty clearly that crowder is a big part of our defense. he needs to be out there for us and he's had a good year for us, im a bit surprised we haven't resigned him yet

 

Crowder is overrated. He isn't a playmaker by any stretch, lacks great instincts, over peruses a bunch, and isn't always healthy.

He's going to want good money this off-season too. I'd let him walk if his demands are to high (just like Greenwood). BP can find us another LB... Shame BP and Co. came on a season late. We would be rolling with Patrick Willis.

 

Yeah?

Our run defense was just great without him on Sunday...

 

I agree Travis. Why let a 24 year old talent get away? This is his 3rd defense in the last three years. I believe he can thrive at ILB in a 3-4 for years.

That said, at some point, we're going to need someone playing next to Channing that's a little more dynamic than Akin Ayodele.

 

We need to sign him to a contract extion bad

 

Because of health issues... Wasn’t that one of my points?

KC was playing a spread offense, running draws and our DB were having to make tackles. NE did the same draws from SG too and had a pretty good day against us rushing. And they don't have Larry Johnson, and we had CC...

Any really good rushing team has been pretty successful. Hell Stephen Jackson put 95 yards on this D in 2 1/2 quarters before getting hurt.

Crowder isn’t a bad player, but not great either. If his contract demands are to high, why over pay him?

 

i agree completely. unless he comes at a decent price i hope we dont resign him.

i think im watching a different crowder if he is a sure tackler??

 

If you think Crowder isn't a sure tackler, then what do you think of Torbor and Ayodele.

I want Crowder in Miami for the future, however I'd like to draft one in the first three rounds because I'd much rather see our inside linebacker core look like Crowder and a stud ILB via the draft.

 

i'm not sure why you brought up ayodele and torbor:confused: but i dont think they are sure tacklers either

 

Crowder's absence in the pass coverage was felt against KC IMO, and I hope he plays some this week.

 

Because they are our other inside linebackers? :wink2:

 

Come on now, its not that simple. We have been tore up by other teams rushing attack with Crowder in the lineup. (the absence of) Crowder was not the reason why LJ had a good day on Sunday.