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Las Vegas Raiders to watch in their Wild Card matchup vs Cincinnati

By Alex Perl

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet sits on an equipment trunk against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet sits on an equipment trunk against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) is defended by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) is defended by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders to watch in their Wild Card matchup vs Cincinnati

Maxx Crosby

The Pro Bowl defensive end, Maxx Crosby was a huge key in why the Raiders are not only in the playoffs, but how they snuck past the Chargers in Week 18.

Crosby has been a dominating presence in every game this season, and this was evident in his six-tackle, two-sack performance in Week 18. The eight sacks Crosby has this season are not very indicative of how great he has been this season.

Crosby constantly is in the face of the quarterback, and in terms of pressuring the quarterback, is one of the best in the league.

Although he did not record a sack in the last meeting against the Bengals, he played a key role in why star quarterback Joe Burrow didn’t even manage to eclipse 150 passing yards. Crosby lived in the backfield in that matchup, and Burrow struggled on nearly every possession to try and escape the pressure from Crosby.

For the Raiders to move on in the playoffs, they must rely on the ability of their talented third-year pass rusher to get in the face of Burrow once again. Crosby will play a huge role in this game regardless, but he could be one of the biggest factors in a win or loss.

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