The New York Giants have had some injuries at linebacker, and a few different players needed to start at the position. The lead snap-getter at the position for the Giants so far this year is third-year linebacker, Tae Crowder.
He has accumulated 399 snaps to this point, nearly mid-way through the season. However, his snap count significantly decreased to by far a season-low a week ago.
After playing at least 68% of the Giants’ snaps defensively over the first seven games of the year, Crowder played just 34%, 22 snaps a week ago.
On the year, he has 39 total tackles but has not made a ton of splash plays. He has two quarterback hits and tackles for loss. Also, just one sack, pass defended and forced fumble.
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Is it Micah McFadden’s time for the New York Giants?
The player who looks to be taking Crowder’s reps is rookie fifth-round draft pick, Micah McFadden.
McFadden, only playing a total of four snaps in Weeks 5 through 7, saw a big rise in playing time in Seattle last week. The first-year linebacker played 27 snaps, tied for the second-most McFadden has had to date.
With that playing time, McFadden did well for himself, proving that he should have a future role for the Giants’ defense on the second level.
In last week’s showing, he had four total tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack, and a quarterback hit. As a result of the success, McFadden was named one of the top rookies of the week for PFF.
With McFadden’s promising game, as such a young player, and at a position that could use more, McFadden should remain a starter for the Giants’ defense at linebacker in Crowder’s place.