colmax
Seasoned Veteran
Ronnie Brown: Grade - A+
Initially, I thought he would have no real factor in the offense this year. I never doubted his ability, but with a suspect O-Line, I felt he would be a non-factor. BOY WAS I WRONG! Ronnie has shown the poise of a seasoned veteran, hitting the holes with speed and patiently waiting for them to open if necessary. I have noticed that the deeper into the game, the better he runs. The return of RW may have something to do with it, but it is still a good sign. I honestly think he has improved with his vision and running as the season has progressed. He has been patient with the blockers and seems to have plenty of "juke" juice in his legs. Ronnie has shown he also carries a sledge hammer with him onto the field. I have not been this excited about a rookie in a very long time. He currently ranks #14 on the rushing leaders list with 611 yards.
Travis Daniels: Grade - C
Yes, he has been burnt a couple of times, but he is a rookie; and to step in and start at CB in the NFL is a feat in itself; especially when he was not charted to start. With that, he has held his own, though, he has not been spectacular . On the other hand, he has not stunk up the joint. I do hope he can continue his good play throughout the duration. He has good size and above average speed. His knowledge of Saban's system has also helped him a great deal. I have not seen anything that would make him stand out (either good or bad), but I feel he has the potential to be a very good corner. He is getting good reps this season, which should benefit him greatly come next year.
Matt Roth: Grade - C
Matt has not really made that much of an impression on me. He has made a few tackles here and there, and I believe he has a sack. He definitely seems to be powerful, but lacks the footwork or true athleticism to make a difference right now. With the right coaching, I think he will be solid. I honestly thought he would be a force to be reckoned with THIS YEAR, but it is obvious he still needs tweaking in order to be successful in the NFL. One thing I have noticed: Matt finishes plays! I have seen him handled on several occassions, but he gets pissed in the process. I like that. I just hope he does not get too thick-headed.
Channing Crowder: Grade - B+
At the beginning of the year, Channing continually over-persued plays. I honestly thought that Saban would sit him down for a few games. I am glad he did not. Crowder, much like Brown, has improved in every game. I noticed on a several plays against Atlanta, Crowder acted as a "spy" for Vick. He stayed put, making Vick throw the ball (which is what everyone routing for Miami wanted). Crowder seems to be getting the defense down pat. Unfortunately, Vick made Miami pay by having a very "un-Vick like" passing game. Channing also had the forced fumble on the hit that "JACKED UP" that one Atlanta RB! Crowder has earned his starting OLB role. His playing time this year will put him in a position to be very successful next year. He has a great feel for the game. His combination of size, speed, intellect, and instinct, has PRO BOWL written all over it in the upcoming years. Let us hope he does not have and knee trouble in the future.
That's all folks! Opinions welcomed.
Initially, I thought he would have no real factor in the offense this year. I never doubted his ability, but with a suspect O-Line, I felt he would be a non-factor. BOY WAS I WRONG! Ronnie has shown the poise of a seasoned veteran, hitting the holes with speed and patiently waiting for them to open if necessary. I have noticed that the deeper into the game, the better he runs. The return of RW may have something to do with it, but it is still a good sign. I honestly think he has improved with his vision and running as the season has progressed. He has been patient with the blockers and seems to have plenty of "juke" juice in his legs. Ronnie has shown he also carries a sledge hammer with him onto the field. I have not been this excited about a rookie in a very long time. He currently ranks #14 on the rushing leaders list with 611 yards.
Travis Daniels: Grade - C
Yes, he has been burnt a couple of times, but he is a rookie; and to step in and start at CB in the NFL is a feat in itself; especially when he was not charted to start. With that, he has held his own, though, he has not been spectacular . On the other hand, he has not stunk up the joint. I do hope he can continue his good play throughout the duration. He has good size and above average speed. His knowledge of Saban's system has also helped him a great deal. I have not seen anything that would make him stand out (either good or bad), but I feel he has the potential to be a very good corner. He is getting good reps this season, which should benefit him greatly come next year.
Matt Roth: Grade - C
Matt has not really made that much of an impression on me. He has made a few tackles here and there, and I believe he has a sack. He definitely seems to be powerful, but lacks the footwork or true athleticism to make a difference right now. With the right coaching, I think he will be solid. I honestly thought he would be a force to be reckoned with THIS YEAR, but it is obvious he still needs tweaking in order to be successful in the NFL. One thing I have noticed: Matt finishes plays! I have seen him handled on several occassions, but he gets pissed in the process. I like that. I just hope he does not get too thick-headed.
Channing Crowder: Grade - B+
At the beginning of the year, Channing continually over-persued plays. I honestly thought that Saban would sit him down for a few games. I am glad he did not. Crowder, much like Brown, has improved in every game. I noticed on a several plays against Atlanta, Crowder acted as a "spy" for Vick. He stayed put, making Vick throw the ball (which is what everyone routing for Miami wanted). Crowder seems to be getting the defense down pat. Unfortunately, Vick made Miami pay by having a very "un-Vick like" passing game. Channing also had the forced fumble on the hit that "JACKED UP" that one Atlanta RB! Crowder has earned his starting OLB role. His playing time this year will put him in a position to be very successful next year. He has a great feel for the game. His combination of size, speed, intellect, and instinct, has PRO BOWL written all over it in the upcoming years. Let us hope he does not have and knee trouble in the future.
That's all folks! Opinions welcomed.
