The Las Vegas Raiders might have saved their 2023 NFL season with a 17-13 win over the Green Bay Packers. However, the question now for the Silver and Black is whether or not they can get to a .500 record on the backs of Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby.
Las Vegas’ defense took advantage of Jordan Love—now can they make life difficult for Mac Jones? The Alabama product will get the start for the New England Patriots despite the team’s struggles. Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby made Raiders history with his performance against the Packers.
There’s much to get into with Las Vegas following their win. Let’s get into the latest surrounding the squad.
Can Las Vegas’ defense take advantage of Mac Jones?
Jones has struggled this season. The third-year quarterback has three touchdowns and six interceptions with a QB rating of 74.2 through five games. The Raiders took advantage of Love, picking off the Green Bay signal caller three times.
Now, the Las Vegas defense can again make life miserable for a starting quarterback for a second straight week. Despite Jones’ struggles, New England head coach Bill Belichick confirmed that the 25-year-old will be under center against the Silver and Black.
“Yeah, we’re not making any changes,” Belichick said Wednesday.
The Raiders defensive unit received a confidence boost on Monday Night Football. While Crosby is the face of the group, players like Robert Spillane chipped in with two interceptions. “Mad Maxx” will get praise from the NFL media, but for the defense to play at a high level, several players need to gain moral growth.
What do you say, Raider Nation? Will the defense again be the star of the game? Las Vegas will face a quarterback who is leaking confidence and the team’s defense could take advantage of a struggling Patriots offense. Is there a defensive player that you expect to stand out outside of Crosby? Let us know.
Maxx Crosby makes Raiders history with AFC Player of the Week Award
Speaking of Crosby, the two-time Pro Bowler used the national stage against the Packers to remind NFL fans he’s one of the best pass rushers in the league. The 26-year-old registered one sack and five tackles, four of which were for a loss in addition to one quarterback hit.
Crosby’s production in the win over Green Bay led to the edge rusher receiving the AFC Player of the Week Award. Furthermore, this honor for the Eastern Michigan University product has allowed him to make Raiders history.
“Mad Maxx” has earned his fifth career AFC Player of the Week Award (Fourth Defensive Player of the Week). He is the first defender in Raiders history to achieve four Defensive Player of the Week Awards.
The Raiders aren’t out of the woods yet with their 2-3 record. Las Vegas could use another massive Crosby performance that makes life difficult for Jones on Sunday. A win over the Patriots would get head coach Josh McDaniels and Co. back to .500 and feel good about themselves.
Additionally, with a game next Sunday against the Chicago Bears, the Silver and Black could be 4-3 and have a positive outlook on their season after losing three straight matches between weeks 2-4.