Defensive end Maxx Crosby had a slow start in the 2019 season for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he finished the year strong and is poised to be even better in his sophomore season.
Crosby only had two sacks and four quarterback hits and four tackles for a loss in the first half of the season. Then, something clicked in the second half and he became one of the Raiders young faces on defense. Moreover, he ended the year with 10 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback hits.
Familiar Faces For The Raiders
In an interview with Tashan Reed of the Athletic, Crosby talked about how he’s getting ready for the 2020 season. He said he’s looking forward to working with defensive line coordinator Rod Marinelli after previously meeting him in a private workout for the Cowboys in 2019. The former Dallas coach should definitely help Crosby get even better.
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“Now I get Marinelli just a year later. I’m a better player now, I’m smarter and I have more experience. I know Marinelli can bring a whole other aspect into my game that I need. He’s just gonna add another element to my game… It’s gonna be awesome.”
Getting Ready for the Season and Setting Goals
Likewise, Crosby is not coming up with excuses for a decrease in production in his second year. Amid pandemic restrictions, he’s getting ready for the 2020 season. “It’s an adjustment, but you can’t use it as an excuse to not show up and be ready,” Crosby said. “I’m treating this like I normally would be if I was back with the team. I’ve been working out Monday through Friday doing recovery every single day, working on the field and doing everything as usual. Honestly, I like it.”
The defensive end feels confident he should be even better in 2020. “I’ma be stronger, I’ma be faster and I’ma be quicker. I’ma be smarter and I’ma have another year under me and I’ma have more confidence. I’m just trying to take my game from what it is right now to a whole other leap forward. I just want to be a 2.0 version of myself. That’s exactly what I’ve been working for.”
Between the Raiders free agency additions to their defensive line and Crosby’s preparation, nothing should stop him from having an ever impact in his sophomore year.
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Top Photo: D. Ross Cameron/Associated Press