Sunday brings the rival Denver Broncos into Allegiant Stadium. This game will make or break the Las Vegas Raiders’ feeble playoff hopes. Las Vegas last saw the Broncos in Week 6 in Denver, winning 34-24 in a rare showing of complimentary football from the Silver and Black. A win that was supposed to signal the beginning of a strong second half now feels like it happened a full year ago. Maxx Crosby, a newly minted Pro Bowl defensive end, will be one Raider looking to recreate the atmosphere that was last seen in Mile High.
Crosby Recorded Three Sacks Against Denver in Week 6
Unfortunately, that would be Crosby’s last time catching a quarterback in the backfield this season. With the amount of pressure that the Eastern Michigan alum applies, it seems like the numbers should be drastically different. According to Pro Football Focus, Crosby leads the NFL with 80 total pressures. In comparison, Pittsburgh Steeler T.J. Watt only has 48 pressures but has recorded 17.5 sacks. It’s not as if Crosby doesn’t have a capable running mate. Teammate Yannick Ngakoue has had seven sacks since Week 7.
The Broncos Suspect Front Could Jumpstart Crosby
The visiting Broncos will be starting backup quarterback Drew Lock and have an offensive line that has allowed 36 sacks this season, good for eighth in the NFL. With the numerous injuries and COVID absences to the Raider secondary and the size and athleticism of the Bronco targets outside, Las Vegas will need a big effort from the front four to keep Lock from getting comfortable in the pocket and hitting receivers that will no doubt win multiple matchups against Raider backups. Crosby has shown he can get to the quarterback in a hurry, but the Raiders will need the Condor to stack up some sacks again tomorrow.
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*Top Photo: Harry How/Getty Images