Like you said Matty, in 06 he looked like he was on the verge of becoming a very good young LB, and though he didn’t make too many game-changing plays as far as turnovers or TFL’s, he always seemed to be making big hits on the ball carrier. Last season was a very tumultuous year for him (along with everyone else), but he points out that Zach was the one setting everything up and he just had to lineup and go where he was pointed. Once Zach went out with the injury, alot was put on Crowder and he definitely wasn’t prepared to be the MAN in the middle of that defense just yet. He recognizes that he needs to become a leader and mature into that leadership role, so I think he will have a renewed focus going into this year.

He has shown that he has the skills to be a great ‘backer in this league, now he has to prove he has the mentality to become great.

This is his big shot, step up or GTFO.

think he will be any good. We are talking about a LB, not a WR or a QB. LB are instant impact players, he has make no profound impact on this team. He will be a average to good LB, nothing more, maybe less. Sorry, i don’t have any hope for this one. ZT was pick in the 5th round, and was an instant impact player, rest my case. LB don’t develoup in there 4 year, the are suppose to help from the star, maybe 2nd year, but in his 4th year? he has, already, show us what he has to offer.

The new Dolphins management should take a wait and see approach to signing Crowder to an extension. This is definitely his “pee or get off the pot season”. Although he hasn’t lived up to his UF resume yet, we have to understand that he hasn’t really needed to until now and he even admits that he was on cruise control behind Zach Thomas. Most of the quality linebackers in the league would have played second fiddle to ZT. Hopefully this new opportunity coupled with a new program can get Crowder to next level…he can do it, he’s a Florida sports product!

GO DOLPHINS!!!

the case, them, he STILL is not any good for us. You know why?, went ZT came to this org, he was behind a great leader and LB, Del Rio, and he just sit del Rio’s butt, the first year because he out play him. Even Del Rio couldn’t beleived. That is what great player DO or atleast attempt to do. Crowder is not a great player, cause he does not aim for greatness, he just aim to collect his check, and put some good numbers, not great numbers. I will tell you this guys, don’t bet on him, he will never proof anything to anybody, cause he really does not care.

My Case: James Farrior.

James Farrior is a Parcells guy. Drafted by Parcells when with the NY Jets, Farrior failed to make an impact let alone see real playing time.

Farrior is now one of the best middle linebackers in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 and has been for some time now.

Farrior has a ring, too, and was just mentioned by NFL.com as runner-up in their list of best free agency moves.

Here’s a link to Farrior’s stats. Crowder-like size. In every way he reminds me of Crowder.

Crowder had his best season the last year Satan was here. The year they ran a 3-4/4-3 hybrid. Anyone remember that open-field hit on Larry Johnson in 2006. Tell me that wasn’t beautiful.

So give him a chance. Crowder seems to have a love of the game. He just needs to show that he make plays.

but I think his problem has been more one of self motivation. It is a given that he has had a rough beginning to his NFL career with Saban splitting, and then Weak Willie Cameron stepping in for a season. NFL rookies often have their work habits defined by what they learn in those first couple of years. Last year he played like he just didn’t give a crap. I don’t like it, but I certainly understand it. He probably figured, “what’s the point?”.

Zach, on the other hand, was a guy that honestly believed that he could single handedly change the outcome of the game, and he played each and every play with that kind of zeal and passion. And when they lost, he took it personally, like it was his fault… like if he had just played better they would have won. He was self motivating and did not require the coach, game plan, or other player’s game play to effect his level of effort. He went 110% all the time.

All the great players believe that the outcome of the game is on their shoulders, personally.

I think Crowder needs Parcells and Sparano. I think it started with the OTAs, and will start to show in camp. If he can develop that sense of professionalism under these guys, he can be very good. But right now he needs that strong outside influence to motivate him to work hard and study hard to raise his game play.

If I were to take a guess, I think he will be very good this year, and I would try to lock him up with an extension right now while we can get him cheap. As long as you pay him well in salary, load in incentives, and stay away from guaranteed money, there should be no downside to extending him now. If he plays well this season, he is going to be expensive. Look at Calvin Pace. :)

Im still not getting where all this hate on Crowder is coming from, he racks up enormous amounts of tackles, and does his job. I remember last year when our special teams was terrible, Crowder was the one who went on the Kickoff team. How do you dont like a guy like that? And by the way, this guy wrestles hogs in the off season, hes insane, he goes full speed every play and WILL be the best lineback in a dolphins uniform next year.

the last thing people lose. Then! I hope you guys are correct!! ; )
For the record, i don’t hate Crowder nor saying he is a bad LB, i’m just saying, that he will not be an elite nor a verygood LB. All i’m saying is that he will be a average to good LB, but that he could be more than that, the thing is that he doesn’t have the desire to be great. He is more of a follower, than a leader. Hope, again, that i’m wrong.