Reasons for optimism despite Las Vegas Raiders loss in opener

Reasons for optimism despite Las Vegas Raiders’ loss in the opener

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby is picking up where he left off

While the Raiders’ newcomer Chandler Jones was effectively neutralized by the Chargers’ offensive tackles, Maxx Crosby did his best to keep up the pressure. Yes, the Raiders had a grand total of zero sacks, so give credit where it’s due; the Chargers gave Justin Herbert all day to throw and pick apart the secondary.

To Crosby’s credit, he led the NFL in total tackles for defensive ends with 10. Behind him, you had Brian Burns (8), Kwity Paye (7), and Cameron Jordan (7). Another personal best for “Mad Maxx” was the eight solo tackles which topped last year’s high of six which, ironically, came against the Chargers in Week 18.

Despite the lack of sacks, Crosby made his presence known with a tackle for a loss and two QB hits. He was responsible for the turnover on downs before the first half ending, which gave the Raiders the ball back. While Trey Pipkins impressed by containing Crosby on a large number of plays, he once again was on the receiving end of lopsided officiating.

Nevertheless, Crosby added some impressive statistical accomplishments to his career totals. In 50 career games, No. 98 now has 151 total tackles, and 25 sacks, which makes him the first player since T.J. Watt (2020) to achieve the notable feat of 150-plus tackles and 25-plus sacks in his first 50 games. Ironically enough, Crosby is the second player in team history to do this. The first was, well, Khalil Mack.