5 players the Las Vegas Raiders cannot live without in 2022
Maxx Crosby
Every team has a heartbeat on either defense or offense. Crosby is undoubtedly this portion of the body for this Raider defense. After officially “breaking out” in 2021 with a second-team All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl selection, Crosby became not only the most vital piece of the Raider defense but also one of its top players overall.
Crosby and fellow defensive end Yannick Ngakoue formed a devastating one-two punch last season and provided the Raiders with one of the best pass-rushing tandems in all of football. So it was an interesting twist when Ngakoue was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
However, in this league when you can improve at any position; Well you just have to take your chances. This is exactly what the Raiders did when they signed defensive end Chandler Jones, who although just recently turning 32 years old is still one of the most elite pass rushers in the league.
Paired with Jones, Crosby can take off, even more, this season. After a spectacular performance in which Crosby was a consistent force in the face of opposing quarterbacks, learning and working with Jones gives Crosby and the Raiders the chance to possess one of the best defensive fronts in all of football.
Crosby’s development and star power is key to the Raiders not just advancing to the playoffs, but possibly winning its first divisional crown in 20 years, with what seems like now; very possible Super Bowl aspirations.