In an offseason that saw “The Condor” Maxx Crosby sign an extension, he helped cement himself as a cornerstone and one of the franchise’s faces. The former fourth-round pick has established himself as one of the game’s best edge rushers and players. With the extension in hand, he only proved the choice to be correct and continued to impress all season. Needless to say, the Las Vegas Raiders have their defensive leader in place, can they now successfully build around him?
What do the numbers say about Raiders DE Maxx Crosby?
When Crosby was drafted in 2019, he was looked at as a project, being a fourth-rounder from Eastern Michigan. The latter is not really known as a football powerhouse. That quickly changed, and the narrative about him has continued to expand each season. This season, it only continued to improve. “Madd Maxx” accumulated 89 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, per Pro Football Reference. If you don’t see that, just look at some of his other stats that show his growth consistently. Among those remarkable numbers, note his tackles for a loss, which ranked first in the league (22), and his QB hits, which were third (35).
Maxx Crosby in 2022
Rank
Tackles for Loss 22 1st
QB Hits 35 2nd
Pressures 81 3rd
Sacks 12.5 T-8th@CrosbyMaxx went off this year 😤 pic.twitter.com/U5Lp5hcq6d— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 13, 2023
The numbers are good, and when you watch him play, you see the motor that seems to never get close to empty. He also ended with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 90.1.
Showing out in big games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022…Â
It seems as if the former Swoop star has some sort of vendetta against the Denver Broncos because he seems to bring out his best against them. In the two matchups from 2022, he recorded nine total tackles and four sacks, as well as a forced fumble and a blocked field goal. The latter gives him three blocked fields against the Broncos in his career.
In game one of the season series, Maxx helped Vegas get its first victory with his great play. Here, you see him picking up one of his two sacks in the game. It was a designed rollout that was blown up and ended with the sack. His play and all-around presence on the field helped the Silver and Black secure victory.
Maxx Crosby vs. Broncos: Game 2
The second matchup saw the Raiders come in off a three-game losing streak, and the sky was falling in the desert. In a grind-out game, right before halftime is when he picked up his blocked field goal and another two-sack game.
Here, you see him move around and grab Wilson while Maxx is on the ground and still finishing the play.
Accolades
This season’s performance led to a Pro Bowl appearance. He has been inexplicably left off all the player All-Pro teams and AP All-Pro honors, and as seen by players, media, and fans alike, they were united in their disapproval of the snub. The players and media (just like Raiders fans) know what they saw in Crosby.
Maxx was one of the best players in the league this year. In my opinion He and Nick Bosa are the 2 best pass rushers in the NFL so the fact that he was left off the All Pro Teams is a joke.
— Jermaine Eluemunor (@TheMainShow_) January 13, 2023
.@CrosbyMaxx NOT being first OR second team All Pro is just ridiculous.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 13, 2023
Crosby had two simple responses to his snub. No. 98 let the league know he was coming back ready to take over.
What’s next for Maxx Crosby?
It’s safe to say that the former mid-round pick has exceeded expectations. As stated, he was originally a project-type prospect. Even so, he has already placed himself among the game’s elite. It’s clear he’s going to have extra motivation in 2023. Whether that’s for missing the playoffs or the awards snub, Crosby will be coming in hot. Fans can only wait and be excited about it.
*Top Photo: Getty Images Pool
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