The New York Giants are relying more and more on inside linebacker Tae Crowder, the former ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ who has become a key contributor and starter on defense.
On Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Crowder played 100 percent of the Giants’ defensive snaps for the third time in four games this season. He is durable as well as productive.
“I’m a guy who just wants to win. If I’m drained or not, if I’m out there I’m trying to win. Whether I’m tired or not, I’m going to keep going. I’m just trying to do whatever the team needs me to do and yeah, I’m just trying to be the best version of myself,” Crowder told reporters.
Crowder had a season-high 11 tackles (seven solo) that included a sack with another QB hit and a forced fumble.
“I think he played a good game,” said head coach Brian Daboll. “Made a lot of tackles, was instinctive. Like all of us, still things to clean up. But I thought he played well.”
Crowder was satisfied with his performance as well.
“I feel like I played a solid game. Each week, I just want to go out and be better than the next week,” he said.
Crowder was flanked mainly by rookie Micah McFadden and Jaylon Smith, who the Giants’ recently re-signed. He was asked if he felt the addition of Smith was a direct commentary on his play.
“No. I was just excited to add another piece to our defense. I’m glad he went out and had a solid game. Whenever you can get more help, you got to look at it in a positive way,” Crowder said. “He’s very detailed. He came in with great energy. Being at home, you can see that he obviously wanted to get back into football. Just the energy he brings, coming back and wanting to be great and wanting to do things right. It showed at the game.”
Crowder and Smith made their presence known, as did interior lineman Dexter Lawrence, who got to Bears quarterback Justin Fields three times, sacking him twice.
“Beast,” said Crowder of Lawrence. “He’s a beast. He had a great game. I’m excited for Dex. We all talked about it this offseason, what he was very capable of and that showed yesterday.”
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