Las Vegas Raiders vs LA Chargers 2021 Week 18: Studs and Duds

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Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders vs LA Chargers 2021 Week 18: Studs and Duds

Studs – Maxx Crosby and the defensive line

Maxx Crosby has blossomed into a star this season and he saved his best game for the last week of the season. Crosby was everywhere on Sunday and finished the game with 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, 3 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, and an absurd 11 pressures.

It was an incredible performance from a player that is becoming a nightmare for opposing offenses and a true foundation piece for an improving defense. He affected the game in so many ways and was crucial in keeping the Chargers offense at bay for so long until the defense started to wear down in the fourth quarter.

Crosby didn’t do it alone however as the rest of the defensive line played incredibly well for much of the game and helped force a crucial stop in overtime to give the Raiders a chance to win. Aside from Crosby, the other defensive linemen contributed 1 sack, 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 6 QB hits, and countless pressures that kept Justin Herbert off balance for much of the game.

The defensive line also held the Chargers to just 86 yards rushing and bounced back from some first-half struggles in that department. If the Raiders get this level of d-line play in the wildcard game then winning in Cincinnati is very possible.

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