As most Las Vegas Raiders fans know, the team’s defense will dictate how far the squad goes this season. The number of sacks this talented unit can produce is a factor—but just how many will they tally? More specifically, how many will Maxx Crosby record?
Spoiler alert, Raider Nation…
ESPN once again doesn’t seem to think much of the Raiders in this department either. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting what the global platform seems to think (they’re still the world-wide leader in sports, after all). Seth Walder of ESPN Analytics recently took a dive into projecting sacks for No. 98; to call the analysis a bit unfair might be putting it lightly.
“Crosby was on the field for an astonishing 95% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps a season ago. Those extra snaps (even Garrett and Parsons played only 81%) provide extra opportunities, and a few of them will result in sacks. Crosby’s forecast is held back by the Raiders’ preseason projected win total (6.5) and his lack of elite win rate metrics the past two seasons.”
Throughout his career, Crosby has earned the reputation of being a resilient player, a true “iron man.” Playing through injuries and always being on the field (mind you, while remaining effective) helps cement that notion. Walder pointed this out as well; he highlighted the fact that Crosby was on the field for 95 percent of the team’s defensive snaps last season.
Losing hasn’t slowed down Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
What’s intriguing is that Walder makes the connection between a perceived losing record for the Raiders and his projected sack total. As we’ve seen for most of Crosby’s tenure, the Raiders’ struggles have never prevented him from being a pass-rushing extraordinaire.
In case you missed it, Walder and ESPN project Crosby to record 10.5 sacks, well short of last year’s total (14.5). Another questionable layer to Walder’s prediction is Christian Wilkins‘ omission via his analysis. Crosby has never played with someone of Wilkins’ abilities inside—he alone will free up Crosby and others, particularly Malcolm Koonce, like never before. The unceremonious exclusion of the new duo of Crosby and Wilkins from Walder’s top 10 pass-rushing duos ranking should also not come as a surprise.
Let’s face it, ESPN hasn’t been kind to the Raiders this offseason. If nothing else, this will provide continuous bulletin board material.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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