When the Las Vegas Raiders retake the field, they will be counting on defensive end Maxx Crosby to continue leading the defense.
Despite trade rumors swirling over the Pro Bowl pass rusher, Crosby is committed to playing for the Raiders. With defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard returning for duty, Crosby has the benefit of returning to the lineup in a familiar scheme. Although Crosby’s efficacy this season waned due to injury, the offseason gave him plenty of time to recover and return to the field at full strength.
The time off allowed Crosby to express how the Raiders can improve for next season, including some ideas for defense.
Crosby wants to emulate the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning defense.
“I always have these arguments with coaches and certain people and philosophies. That’s why I believe in the four-man rush so much,” said Crosby on his podcast The Rush. “If you have the right guys, and y’all are trained the right way, it makes everyone’s life easier.”
The Eagles were able to dominate the Kansas City Chiefs during the Super Bowl despite running zero blitzes. The defensive line was able to consistently win in the trenches and make life miserable for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The turmoil lead to arguably the worst game of Mahomes’ career, throwing two interceptions (including a pick-six to Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean) and only being effective in garbage time.
No one will mistake the Raiders for the Eagles, but they are closer to running a similar style of defense than most people think. Crosby and presumably defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will return to the lineup, and the Raiders will likely retain at least one edge rusher in Malcolm Koonce or K’Lavon Chaisson. Add to that mix the gradually-developing Tyree Wilson and a pick or two in the draft for depth purposes, and new head coach Pete Carroll will have one strength to build off of for this season.
With plenty of resources at their disposal this offseason, the Raiders have the means to make Crosby’s idea come to life.
