Las Vegas Raiders: Studs and Duds from Week 1 vs. Ravens

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Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (77) celebrate a defensive play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Studs and Duds from Week 1 vs. Ravens

Studs

2. Maxx Crosby and his relentless motor

There were several contributors on the Raiders defense but the star of the night was undoubtedly Maxx Crosby. The third-year defensive end was an absolute menace all night long and harassed Lamar Jackson from kickoff to the final snap in overtime.

Crosby was tipped to have a great season after putting in a tremendous amount of work in the offseason in the early results are fantastic. Crosby ended the night with six tackles, five QB hits, two tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Perhaps if he was playing against a quarterback that doesn’t run a 4.4 40, he could have had a few more.

Aside from the sacks and tackles for loss, Crosby was in the Baltimore backfield all night long and made his presence felt on every possession. He was clearly buoyed by the home crowd and make sure to soak up the adulation when he made a big play.

Yannick Ngakoue was the subject of most of the talk this offseason and he played well but it was Crosby that really flashed. His relentless motor is being paired with some excellent pass rush moves and he has the potential to be a special player for Las Vegas. If this game is a sign of things to come then we might have a Pro Bowl player on this defense.

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