The Las Vegas Raiders just did the unthinkable against the Baltimore Ravens. When no one thought they would win, they were able to pull out a close victory off the strength of their defense, and the offense showing up when they needed it most. But, something I feel like isn't being talked about, happened. And, national media can talk about it all they want, and it still wouldn't be talked about enough.
What Maxx Crosby did on Sunday was outstanding. Not only did he have a DPOY type of game, as we know he was snubbed last year, but he had an MVP-like game, too. To me, Maxx Crosby just did what no other defensive player has done since maybe Aaron Donald.
Crosby, with what feels like a career day based on all of the accolades and records he broke, submitted himself as the best defensive player in the world, and maybe even the best player in the world if we are being honest.
The Raiders PR team tweeted out everything he did yesterday in terms of an all-time perspective, and the records he either broke or is closing in on. And, let's just say it's pretty long.
DE Maxx Crosby brings down Ravens QB Lamar Jackson for a loss of six. Crosby now owns 54.0 career sacks, passing Bill Pickel (53.0) for fourth on the Raiders all-time sacks list. Crosby has now reached 90 career tackles for loss, one of only seven players in NFL history (since 1999) to reach 90 tackles for loss in his first six NFL seasons. His 90 tackles for loss are also the most in Raiders history (since 1999). Crosby has notched his ninth consecutive game with at least one tackle for loss, dating back to Week 11 of 2023 at Miami. His nine-game streak with a tackle for loss is the longest active streak in the NFL. He joins J.J. Watt (133), Aaron Donald (105), Von Miller (93), Jared Allen (92), Lavonte David (91), and DeMarcus Ware (90) as one of only seven players in the NFL since 1999 to reach 90+ tackles for loss in his first 85 career games. He notched his 12th career game with 2.0+ sacks, passing Derrick Burgess (11) for the third most two-sack games in franchise history.
On Sunday against the Ravens, Crosby was the best player on the field, and I don't think anyone will dispute that. Yes, he was even better than the Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson, the reigning MVP of the 2023 season.
Crosby finished with two sacks, both on the quick, agile, Lamar Jackson, four tackles for a loss, all on the big, strong Derrick Henry, and a pass deflection. He's on a different level right now, and we even saw that against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1.
He's pissed about being snubbed from the Defensive Player of the Year award, and he's showing it. You can see how much it means to him by the way he celebrates after the game. He's taking it all personally.
