It is hard enough to be a top-end pass rusher in the NFL. They constantly face head-to-head matchups against a group of guys that outweigh them by 50+ pounds. The bigger offensive linemen often possess absurd length and spend every waking hour in the weight room. But it is even more difficult when a player like Raiders star Maxx Crosby — for example — is the only consistent pass-rushing threat on the roster.
Maxx Crosby Is The Heart And Soul Of This Raiders Defense
A lack of other threats allows NFL offensive coordinators to hone in and shut down a team’s No. 1 pass rusher. However, Crosby is one of the true outliers. He possesses so much natural ability in tandem with his awe-inspiring work ethic. This blend of talent actually puts the offensive line at a disadvantage — even when they send a double team.
On Sunday, in the Raiders season opener vs. Denver, Mad Maxx picked up right where he left off in 2022. The superstar pass rusher recorded six total pressures, including four QB hurries, one QB hit, and a sack that saw him embarrass Mike McGlinchey on national television.
This performance resulted in one of the best PFF grades of the weekend, as Crosby secured an 89.7 overall defensive grade, just a shade below his typical 90.0+ rating. Going further, the former fourth-rounder out of Eastern Michigan recorded a sparkling 28.5 percent pass-rush win rate. Simply put, Crosby was unblockable.
“Mad Maxx” Terrorized The Broncos And Will Aim For The Same Outcome Vs. The Bills
After the game, the fifth-year veteran was vocal about the need to perform better as a team. “We gotta get better, but I think we are off to a good start. In the second half, I think we allowed three points. We just got to keep improving,” Crosby said in the locker room.
“We stepped up. You know, that’s how you win football games. It’s got to be complementary football. We all got to believe in the guy next to us,” Crosby continued. I can guarantee this: Everyone on the roster believes in Maxx Crosby. He is the unquestioned leader on and off the field and will continue to serve as the heartbeat of the organization for years to come.
Next up? A trip to the East Coast to challenge the Buffalo Bills. Crosby’s likely matchup will be with starting right tackle Spencer Brown for much of the day. In Week 1, Brown allowed five quarterback pressures in 51 pass-blocking reps. Look for Mad Maxx to be in the backfield as often as Josh Allen is on Sunday.
I predict a two-sack day for the All-Pro defender. Even with the evasive Allen at quarterback, the Bills are in for a long day of seeing No. 98 chasing their franchise centerpiece down Fury Road.
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports