Klint Kubiak makes Maxx Crosby the Las Vegas Raiders‘ defensive blueprint while signaling that Nakobe Dean is ready for an expanded leadership role.
Kubiak used his Friday press conference to describe how Crosby sets the tone for the defense. When asked about Kwity Paye’s comments that everyone is chasing Crosby’s standard, Kubiak pointed to the habits behind it. First, Crosby is typically the first player in the building and one of the last to leave. Beyond that, he takes care of his body, goes through walk-throughs with intent, and finishes every play in practice. He also contributes to the game plan and, in addition, pushes himself on special teams.
Kubiak was then asked whether Nakobe Dean is holding teammates more accountable. In response, he said that leading the defense is part of a middle linebacker’s job and that Dean has been that leader. Furthermore, Kubiak said that as Dean produces, the staff keeps adding responsibility and expecting more from him.
Reading between the lines…
The comments say a lot about how the Raiders’ defense is organized. Crosby remains the emotional and practical anchor of the front. His work extends to special teams, which is a rare level of buy-in for a player of his stature and contract. That matters for a locker room built around Paye and the rest of the pass-rush rotation. Those players are being measured against him daily.
Dean’s situation matters just as much for the depth chart. Kubiak’s language suggests the middle linebacker spot is Dean’s. The play-calling and communication load will likely grow alongside his snap count. If his responsibilities expand, the linebackers behind him become more important. The staff will want clarity there.
The leadership role also carries financial weight. A defensive signal-caller who produces is a player the front office has to think about. That becomes more pressing as his contract status comes into focus.
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Expect Dean to take on more of the pre-snap communication in the coming weeks, with Crosby continuing to set the tone and the pair becoming the public face of a defense Kubiak wants to be defined by effort.
Is Dean ready to be the true leader of this defense, or does it still run through Crosby?
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images