While many people in the sports world don't believe in luck, it'd be wrong to say that the Las Vegas Raiders haven't struggled in that department this year.
Anything that could go wrong this season has, and somehow, it keeps getting worse and worse. To name a few, they were essentially forced to trade away All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, starting quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the year with an injury, they fired three offensive staffers and their big free agent signing, Christian Wilkins, who inked a four-year, $110 million contract, also suffered a serious injury.
However, the bad injury luck has continued to pile up. Aidan O'Connell's status for Monday's game against the Atlanta Falcons is questionable, and the team's best player, Maxx Crosby, is out for the year after suffering an ankle injury that requires surgery. A depressing revelation that was reported earlier this week, and one that he sent a message to the fans about.
Even throughout all of the disastrous moments amid the team's 2-11 season, and trade rumors beginning to ramp up about him, Crosby has expressed a desire to be a Raider.
An admirable mindset, considering just about every team in the NFL would move mountains to add a pass rusher as elite as him. Amid the horrendous year, Crosby has been one of the few bright spots. Through 12 games, he totaled 45 tackles and 7.5 sacks, which is even more impressive when you realize he gets doubled or tripled seemingly every play. Unfortunately for him, he will not have a chance to reach double-digit sacks for a third year in a row.
As for the Raiders, they will look to end their nine-game losing streak on Monday, which would be an unfortunate situation for their future. While a win ends the misery, a win would see them fall in the draft standings, where they currently hold the top pick.
