Maxx Crosby is entering 2022 with all the hype and excitement after a successful year last season. A campaign that led to his first Pro Bowl selection and a contract extension. Crosby was able to step up in key moments throughout the season and provide a spark and momentum for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Crosby would start all 17 games for the team and finished the season with seven pass deflections, eight sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 30 QB hits. Each season, he has shown improvement, though 2022 may be the season the electrifying edge rusher takes the football world by storm.
A new Raiders duo and defensive scheme for Maxx Crosby
The duo of Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue was exciting but pairing a young and talented edge rusher in Crosby with one of the best edge rushers in the game in Chandler Jones will cause havoc for opposing teams. The new dynamic d-line duo will allow both players to make an impact this season. With two stars on opposite edges, it’s going to be hard for teams to find an answer for both of them.
It should be noted, however, that the Raiders are bringing in their third defensive coordinator in Crosby’s three-year career. With a new defensive boss comes a new scheme for Crosby. Patrick Graham has had high expectations bestowed on him as the team brought in a lot of great pieces for him to work with. Of course, fans will be anxious to see how he implements Crosby on a play-by-play basis. There shouldn’t be much doubt surrounding No. 98’s ability to adapt under Graham. By all accounts, Crosby should be headed towards a great year.
Outlook for the 2022 season
With the talent on the defensive line to complement Crosby, there is a ton of excitement for the 2022 season. The Raiders will need every single ounce of effort from Crosby this coming season. More so because the AFC West has loaded up on talent. Crosby will be chasing after elusive and unpredictable stars like Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes twice a year. It will be a tough task but bringing in Jones to help with the pass rush will ensure Crosby won’t get all the attention each game from opposing offenses.
It is safe to say that Crosby will have a breakout season, which could be a pivotal point for the team’s success. Look for Crosby to be more active in pass defense with bat downs and swats as well as run defense. A realistic stat line for the 2022 season would be eight pass defenses with an interception, 14 sacks with four forced fumbles, and 17 tackles for loss.
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*Top Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
