IO ... you didn't happen to mention what type reels you're using, or line size (main & leader).
The crank Pushers around here (that I know) are generally using 14-16' rods, line counter reels, braid or mono main line (10# test diameter equivalent), and a 6# test mono leader (5ft length), with 2oz trolling weights at speeds around 1.8mph. That being said, there are others I know of that use other variations of these factors.
Myself, I haven't really gotten into Pushing cranks that much, preferring to Push jigs/plastics. But I have Pushed cranks & have the same rod holders as you, and found them to be just fine for either job.
Due to the speeds of crank Pushing, rods would have to be quite long if placed facing forward, and adequate weight used so as to insure that the line is well below the trolling motor prop at whatever trolling speed is used. In my case, after having a line get tangled in the TM prop, I set my rods angled out to the sides (to allow for any quick direction change necessary & still keep lines from becoming entangled with each other or the TM prop) as seen in this picture :
(worthy of note - this pic was taken some time ago & for the purpose of showing the DIY umbrella rigging. The baitcast reels on the long rods have since been replaced by line counter reels, and the number of 14' rods I use now numbers 5 ... only two of which are shown in the picture)
They are as follows :
2 BPS Uncle Bucks 13' collapsible rods (very light action tip)
2 BnM Capps/Coleman 14' rods (moderate action tip)
1 BnM PST 14' rod (mod/heavy action tip)
I have yet to not be able to notice a fish being on these rods, with the exception of a couple of times where the fish involved were less than 6" long .... and even those times I was using jigs & 1/2oz weights. I have caught <6" fish on the BPS UB rods, Pushing cranks w/2oz weights, and was well aware of the fish being on the line.