If you are just into counting stats, you could make an argument that Maxx Crosby has regressed since his rookie season. In 2018, he had 10 sacks. This year, that number dropped down to just eight.
But if you have eyeballs, you know that Maxx Crosby is one of the best defensive players in the entire NFL. He is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback and his ability to consistently generate pass rush is the reason he’s been so dominant this season.
Crosby had another huge performance in Week 18 and he was one of the biggest reasons why they won that game and will appear in the playoffs.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, the site named him the Defensive Player of the Week for his dominant performance. Here is a snippet of their thoughts on the third-year defensive end from Eastern Michigan:
“The breakout Las Vegas Raider looked more than up for the challenge, though, and was a threat to get after the quarterback on every rep from start to finish. Crosby generated 10 total pressures, five of which were a sack or a hit, and won 10 other pass-rush reps on top of that.
His 29.4% pass-rush win rate is an unbelievable mark, considering that rep total. Most of those wins came against right tackle Storm Norton, who has been up and down this year.”
Crosby led the NFL in pressures this season with 101, which was 20 more than the second-place finisher. He also led the NFL in QB hits, hurries and pass-rush win percentage. He was constantly near the quarterback despite a lower sack total than expected.
Considering how great he was all year long, Crosby should get some All-Pro consideration from the AP voters. He’s been one of the league’s best defenders all season long.
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