One reason could be Atlanta

Linebacker Channing Crowder has five tackles in two games and is on pace for 40 stop this season.

Surely Crowder’s production is going to pick up, but he said “I have a lot to work on.”

His performance so far leads off today’s talking points.

1. Linebacker Channing Crowder is off to the slowest start of his career.

All signs pointed to a big season for Crowder.

He had a career-high 114 tackles in 2008, signed a contract extension in the off-season and entered his second season as the leader of the defense.

Instead, he has five tackles in two games.

Last year, he had 18 after two games. He even had eight in his first two games a rookie.

One reason could be Atlanta and Indianapolis have run the ball 38 times in two games, including just 11 rushing attempts by the Colts on Monday night.

Crowder also blames himself and rates his play a “1″ on a scale of 10.

Crowder had hoped to get more involved as a pass rusher and in coverage, given he has 1 1/2 sacks and no interceptions in his first four seasons.

For now, Crowder wants to start making more plays in the run game.

“It’ll come around,” he said. “I’m not trying to force something.”