Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby an early 2021 DPOY candidate
By CJ Errickson
Maxx Crosby put together an outstanding performance versus the Denver Broncos this past Sunday, and the Raiders star is an early DPOY candidate.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has been living in opposing backfields all season long, and it was no different versus the Denver Broncos this past Sunday. Per Pro Football Reference, Crosby tallied three sacks in the Raiders 34-24 victory over their AFC West rival this past Sunday.
Not only does he generate sacks, but he is also showing improvement as a run defender, as seen in the video below. While some believe that sack totals indicate how good (or bad) a pass rusher may be, it is essential to note that Maxx consistently produces each week in 2021.
Raiders star becoming one of the best in football
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has elevated his game to another level in 2021. Every week, Maxx has led the Raiders in quarterback pressures. Counterpart Yannick Ngakoue did tie him in pressures versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, but aside from that game, Crosby has been the driving force in wrecking opposing offenses gameplans.
As of right now, the Silver and Black star edge rusher only sit behind Cleveland Browns’ defensive end, Myles Garrett, in total pressures generated this 2021 NFL season.
Maxx Crosby must keep up the relentless effort against opposing offenses when they decide to double-team and triple-team (at times) him in pass protection. Crosby has shown substantial growth in both taking on and defeating double teams versus previous seasons.
In addition, his ability to penetrate through them more consistently this season has allowed other players along the defensive front to make plays while he is being focused on. Ultimately, it makes for a defense that does not need to blitz to generate pressure, providing much more effective pass coverage than not exposing more space.
Should Maxx keep up his terrorizing play, it is not out of the question that he can not just be a candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. He is more than capable of earning those honors when the season is said and done, especially if the Raiders end up making the playoffs.