Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby continues to be on a tear; his most recent victim was the New York Giants and their quarterbacks.
It’s become almost a surefire thing to hear about Crosby’s dominance. Whether it’s in the sack department or piling up pressures and tackles, “Mad Maxx” is playing like a man possessed this season. Despite last week’s debacle, which culminated with Josh McDaniels and Co. being jettisoned, Crosby rose to the occasion.
Maxx Crosby and the “new” Raiders…
Against the Giants, Patrick Graham’s unit accumulated seven total sacks, which was the first time reaching that mark since 2010. Their opponent in that game? None other than the Kansas City Chiefs. On top of that, Crosby recorded his sixth career game with three-plus tackles for a loss. It’s tied for third most in the league; Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is the other player with six games of his own (h/t Raiders PR).
As far as Crosby’s sheer dominance, Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager said it best on Monday morning.
“He plays at a different pace than everyone else. It feels like he is just unblockable. Such a nuisance. Crosby doesn’t stop.”
It probably didn’t help the Giants when quarterback Tommy Devito (who subbed for an injured Daniel Jones) decided to use Crosby’s neck to stand up. Yeah, that wasn’t going to end well. In response, Devito found himself on the floor quite a lot in this game. Note to self: don’t p*** off one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, especially when your offensive line is banged up.
It’s only one game under interim coach Antonio Pierce, but Crosby is already benefiting from the coaching change. In the closing minute of the first quarter, Pierce called out a passing play ahead of the Giants’ 1st-and-10 snap. The result? Maxx Crosby found his way to yet another sack (h/t Vegas Sports Today). This could be the beginning of something beautiful in Sin City.
*Top Photo: D. Ross Cameron/Associated Press
By Tony Brucks
No BS here. I have been loving my Raiders for 57 years and counting.
What I saw yesterday not just from every player on the field but especially the defense brought tears to this old man’s eyes.
Total freakin lockdown!!
Raiders style defense I have not seen in a very long time!
Thank you Condor and company for that. And thank all Raiders players for letting me see that “eye of the tiger” and that spark for loving to play this game again.