Tag: Maxx Crosby News

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby says doubt, negativity will fuel his midseason resurgence

Maxx Crosby is the leader of a 2-8 Raiders team and has just 6.5 sacks this season. And is hoping to use that to finish strong.

Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby is the leader of a 2-8 team and has just 6.5 sacks this season. But he says he’s far from done wreaking havoc on the NFL this year, and he’ll use doubt and negativity surrounding him as motivation.

Crosby’s sack total is lower than expected given his career-best 14.5 sacks last season and high expectations for the Raiders defense this year. The defense has been decimated by injuries though. The loss of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is especially devastating for Crosby, as Wilkins was supposed to be Crosby’s equal on the inside.

That’s just a sampling of what’s gone wrong for the Raiders this year. Crosby appeared on The Rush podcast and had trouble describing exactly how bad it’s been.

“It’s been a [tough] season, to say the least. I seriously can’t describe the feeling, being part of such a tough year,” he said. “You couldn’t have told me this was going to be the result.

“But at the end of the day, seven games left — and that’s all we can do. Take it one game at a time, continue to get better and improve.”

Crosby has been fueled by team and individual goals since he arrived in the NFL, and he said that won’t change down the stretch this season.

“My goals never change,” he said. “I love the doubt. I love the negativity. It’s just another opportunity to rise, and I plan on doing that. Keep leading, keep showing up, keep being the example, and that’s all I can do.”

As for the Raiders’ latest loss in Miami, Crosby said he missed some chances to make a larger impact but still felt he played well. He also played every snap on defense, as per usual.

“There were a lot of opportunities. Not every game you’re going to show up on the stat sheet.”

It’s clear that Crosby wants to make a larger impact on the stat sheet as he’s accustomed to. He knows he’s still recognized among his peers as one of the best but wants the entire world to know, too.

“I know what I’m doing. The [other] teams know what I’m doing. The people that matter know what I’m doing,” he said. “Keep sleeping. I love it. I live for it. I plan on responding in a big way. And I can’t wait to do that.

“I love a challenge. I love it when I’m being doubted. I feel like I’m constantly being slept on and it’s my duty to shut them up. That’s what I’m going to do. And I love it. I love when they doubt me and I feel like I’m at my best when my back’s against the wall.”

The Raiders have had their backs against the wall for much of Crosby’s tenure. He’s also fought through an injury this season after having surgery in the offseason. He’ll use tough times as motivation, but when he receives credit, Crosby says the positivity won’t be satisfying, either.

“The positivity’s the same thing. When all the positive stuff is going, that’s not where you build your character. You grow in character when it’s hard,” he said.

Crosby will seemingly never be satisfied until he’s recognized as one of the best defensive ends of his era and in NFL history. That’s what’s made him an elite competitor since he made a splash as a rookie from a small school.

But he desperately wants to lead a winning ballclub. It won’t happen this year, but that won’t stop Crosby from wreaking havoc on gameday, as he attempts to turn negative energy into a positive for himself, his teammates, his coaches, his fans, and his legacy.

Raiders’ Derek Carr, Maxx Crosby trade dunk-contest trash talk after seeing classic footage of Tim Brown slam

Raiders’ Derek Carr, Maxx Crosby trade dunk-contest trash talk after seeing classic footage of Tim Brown slam

During the NBA All-Star break, every true sports fan gets a case of dunk-contest fever. That goes for professional athletes, as well.

For evidence, look no further than Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Though they were provoked a bit by Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, each player talked a little dunk-contest trash as the NBA prepared for its All-Star Saturday night, which is highlighted by the official NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Here’s what started it: Akers posted classic footage of Raiders Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown throwing it down in 1989 when his NFL career was in full bloom.

Carr and Crosby were each tagged in the post, and they didn’t disappoint with their responses, starting with Crosby.

Shortly thereafter, Carr joined the fun and responded with a rather tame retort, though he didn’t back down from Crosby’s challenge one bit.

Through it all, Brown had his popcorn ready, so to speak, as did much of the Raider Nation. Brown also offered to judge the dunk-off if it ever takes place.

Though this contest will likely never happen, Brown is right to treat the talk between Carr and Crosby seriously. Each player has shown via social media that they can throw it down on a standard 10-foot hoop.

First, here’s Carr showing off his hops with a little extra sauce, thanks to a lob pass to himself, NBA Dunk Contest style.

Crosby, who stands a few inches taller than Carr, revealed a glimpse into his own ability, dunking from a standstill position.

Yeah, these two definitely have the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on their mind.

But despite all the fun between Brown, Crosby and Carr, I’m getting a case of déjà vu here, and it’s not necessarily a good thing.

Carr and former Raiders All-Pro DE Khalil Mack used to have playful competitions somewhat frequently, from games of basketball in Carr’s backyard pool to a proposed footrace.

But after the Raiders handed long-term contracts to Carr and ex-Raiders guard Gabe Jackson in 2017, there was apparently no cap room left to sign Mack to his own monster contract extension. The Raiders, of course, traded Mack to the Bears.

With both Carr and Crosby due for an extension soon, will history repeat itself with Carr and the team’s All-Pro EDGE player? (Second team for Crosby after his incredible 2021 campaign.)

Probably not. But it’s something to keep an eye on. Though Carr and Crosby had some playful competition over their dunking prowess, each of their agents will compete for a share of the Raiders’ finances as it relates to the NFL salary cap.

Ultimately it’s up to Las Vegas’ new regime to make sure they don’t repeat the Raiders’ past and have enough resources to sign their preferred players, especially with Pro Bowl WR Hunter Renfrow in the mix for an extension as well.

But in the meantime, watch out for a potential dunk contest between two of Las Vegas’ biggest football stars. Maybe the winner gets the better contract as their prize? Either way, we’ll soon learn more about what coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler have in mind for their new roster.

Raiders coach Jon Gruden says historically bad loss vs. Falcons reflects on his coaching

The Raiders blew an opportunity in Atlanta, and now the head coach has to prove that he can get Las Vegas back on the winning track.

In a final score that was surely shocking to much of the NFL, the Raiders lost in embarrassing fashion to the Falcons on Sunday, 43-6, putting their record at 6-5 their chances for the AFC playoffs in peril.

Nothing went right for Las Vegas, starting when coach Jon Gruden’s offense went four-plays-and-out when gifted a 1st-and-5 situation on the day’s first set of downs. The defense held Atlanta to a field goal on the ensuing drive, only to watch quarterback Derek Carr fumble from the pocket on his next opportunity, resulting in the first of five turnovers on the day for the Raiders.

Gruden blamed the utter collapse — against a very beatable Falcons team when the Raiders needed a win badly — on himself, and he even said he’s sorry about the entire ordeal.

“I’d like to apologize to the Raider Nation and compliment the Falcons. They played a hell of a football game, and we did not. The turnovers. The penalties. Inexcusable, and it’s a reflection of me. We’re a lot better team than that.

“When we got hit in the mouth with the 4th-and-1, the stop. Then we fumble the next play. We’ve got to get off the mat and fight back better as a coaching staff and as a football team. That’s something that we’ve got to take a look at. Like I said, it’s a reflection of me. I apologize to the Raider fans.” 

The Raiders also committed 11 penalties, adding up to a staggering 141 yards in losses. Carr’s early fumble was one of his three on the day, and they were all recovered by the defense. The QB has now lost eight fumbles on the season.

In fact, in total, it was a historically bad performance by the Raiders, according to ESPN’s Jason McCallum.

But it’s still surprising that the high-powered Raiders’ offense didn’t get moving before it was too late. Their maligned defense played well enough to allow for a slow start from the group. Gruden and Carr could find no such magic, however.

So what happened? Coach Jon Gruden was facing a former assistant in Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris. Gruden is now 1-3 in that situation, according to the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow. Could that have affected the offense so terribly?

When asked postgame about Morris by the Raiders Wire’s Levi Damien, Gruden said: “We had some players open. We had opportunities to make plays. I’m not going to sit here and say anything else. We had plenty of opportunities, they made more plays than we did, and it snowballed on us today. And when you turn the ball over five times and have 120 yards of penalties, you got no chance.”

Whatever the reason for this shocking loss, the Raiders blew a huge opportunity in Atlanta. They must notch some wins immediately to make a playoff push, starting next weekend in New York against the Jets. Las Vegas has to prove its performance in Atlanta wasn’t a true reflection of the head coach and get back to lighting up the scoreboard as they have for most of the campaign.

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Raiders DE Maxx Crosby has a simple goal in 2020: To ‘dominate every single game’

The Raiders found a gem in the fourth round of last year’s draft, but DE Maxx Crosby isn’t satisfied with simply outperforming expectations.

After Maxx Crosby’s surprising success during his rookie campaign a year ago, expectations for the defensive end are sky-high.

And that seems to be okay with Crosby. He’s mentally and physically prepared for a big season, stating he’s yet to approach his full potential.

Crosby led the club with 10 sacks in 2019, but in 2020, he has a simple goal: dominate the opposition.

“I feel like I could dominate every single game and that’s my goal and that’s what I plan on doing,” Crosby said Monday from training camp. “This offseason I put on some good weight. I’m running 275 right now and I feel great. My conditioning is getting to where I need it. I’m just super excited to show everybody that it wasn’t just a fluke rookie year. I want to prove to everyone that I’m going to be here for a long time.”

Crosby is clearly mentally charged for the upcoming season, but he’s also been adding weight to his frame, as coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock said he must do when they drafted Crosby out of Eastern Michigan.

He’s listed on the Raiders’ official roster at 255 pounds, though it’s no secret Crosby added to that total throughout last year’s campaign. He now weighs in at 275, fulfilling the projection of his coach and GM.

As for Crosby’s goal of domination, there was a bit of added nuance in his statement Monday. He also said he wants to improve in every phase of the game including pass-rushing, run defense and being a playmaker. “I feel like I definitely did some good things last year, but I haven’t even touched where I want to be,” he said.

But he’s had a taste of success, and his appetite for more is evident. The Raiders’ defense must improve if the team is to have a prosperous season, and Crosby appears ready to make the campaign easier for his teammates by dominating the edge and disrupting the opponent.

LOOK: Raiders DE Maxx Crosby hits the turf inside Allegiant Stadium

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby spent some time getting used to his team’s new home turf and grass-field tray at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby was one of the first members of the team to move to Las Vegas, the franchise’s new home, and he’s been one of the most active players on social media this offseason.

He’s been an active participant in conventional media, too, granting multiple insightful interviews and representing the Raiders well, detailing their plan to improve on the club’s 7-9 finish in 2019.

Crosby recently toured the spot where the home action will take place in 2020: the Raiders’ new $2 billion home, Allegiant Stadium. He even stepped onto its artificial turf. The Raiders’ natural-grass playing surface will roll into the stadium on a field tray and lay on top of the turf.

He toured the field tray as well, which is outdoors for the time being. But since the turf is permanently inside Allegiant Stadium, standing there made for a great photo opp and likely gave Crosby a preview of games to come.

Here a couple more photos of Crosby checking out his future stomping grounds.

Despite the hardhats in these photos from Crosby’s Twitter account, Allegiant is scheduled to be completed on time. With the country still combating the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s uncertain whether fans will be allowed inside once the season starts.

Allegiant Stadium will outlast the pandemic, however, and at some point, Raiders fans will celebrate the franchise’s new home from inside its friendly confines. Crosby appears prepared to give his fans plenty to cheer about when that day comes.

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby excited about Las Vegas, but says what happens ‘between the lines’ is key

The Raiders have a new home in the entertainment capital of the world, but Maxx Crosby is focused on the football field.

Much will change for the Raiders in 2020. Players will enter a new city, play in a brand-new stadium, and practice at a sparkling-new facility, not to mention find new places to live.

And their new home is in fabulous Las Vegas — the entertainment capital of the world. What was once a vacation destination for some Raiders will become a glitzy backdrop to everyday life.

That could all get a bit overwhelming. But defensive end Maxx Crosby is keeping it simple. While he notes the incredible new stadium and facilities, his attention is attuned to the part of Las Vegas that’s most similar to the Raiders’ previous home in Oakland: the football field.

“The stadium is insane. The facilities are insane. But that’s not going to necessarily help us win football games. It’s between the lines that’s going to help us,” Crosby told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “Obviously, the scenery is going to be huge for us. It’s going to be huge for the whole organization. Having a different fan base —  you know Oakland’s going to travel; LA is going to travel. It’s going to be a party. Every single Sunday in that stadium. That’s obviously huge.

“But all the fancy stuff and all that, that’s definitely awesome. But what we need to focus on is us and this team and getting to the level we need to get to [in order] to make a serious run at it this year.”

Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders’ new home is nearly complete, as is their practice facility in Henderson, Nev., and they appear as impressive as Crosby suggests. Needless to say, the setup in Las Vegas is light years ahead of what Oakland’s facilities offered.

And also as Crosby suggests, the atmosphere at Allegiant, with Raiders fans from all over the nation, will make for a formidable home-field advantage and a Las Vegas party.

But Crosby is smart to simplify his focus. With all that’s changed for the Raiders, the measured lines of the football field never change. Sure, at Allegiant, the natural grass field will roll out of the enclosed stadium when it’s not in use so it can access sunlight, but it’ll still measure 120 yards long and 53 and 1/3 yards wide.

The Raiders’ new digs will certainly help, but buildings can’t block or tackle, of course. The Raiders must outshine their new facilities between the lines on game day. All the newness in Las Vegas could feel a bit hollow if they don’t. If they do, however, it’ll be one serious party every Sunday in the entertainment capital of the world.

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Musical collaboration between Raiders TE Darren Waller, DE Maxx Crosby on the horizon

Two of the best reasons to be excited about the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders are looking to collaborate off the field, too.

Two players that produced much excitement on the field for the Raiders in 2019 — and are set to do the same in 2020 — are looking to create a buzz off the field, too.

Tight end Darren Waller, who just dropped the second single off of his hip-hop album, “Wall Street,” has a like-minded teammate in defensive end Maxx Crosby, who was a rapper while in high school.

The two plan to collaborate in the future, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. Crosby initially spoke of the possibility while on the Keeping it 300 podcast in October last year.

“I sent Maxx a whole bunch of beats, so hopefully when he puts something out he will be using one of mine,” Waller told Tafur. “He is a busy guy, and whenever he is ready to lock in, I am here for him.”

Waller’s beat library is likely deep. He’s been known to get lost in his musical production while on the team plane, and he’s working on an in-house studio in his new Las Vegas home, according to Tafur. You can listen to his album via his YouTube channel as well as his Instagram account.

Crosby’s talent was on display for all to see on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” As a rookie, he had to perform for the entire team, and instead of getting roasted for poor performance, as is the idea, Crosby actually had a few heads bobbing in approval.

Crosby had this to say about his rap exploits when The Raiders Wire’s Levi Damien inquired, during Crosby’s initial conference call as a member of the Raiders.

“We used to do it for fun. We would stay out of trouble and make music instead of doing all the other crazy stuff other people were doing. We just liked to stay at the house and make music.”

Waller’s passion for hip-hop likely helps him stay on the straight and narrow track, as it did for Crosby. Waller overcame opiate and cocaine addiction early in his career and rebounded with the Raiders in 2020, amassing 90 catches, 1,145 yards and three touchdowns at just 27 years of age.

Crosby impressed as well, notching 10 QB sacks as a rookie. Both Waller and Crosby figure to be foundational blocks for the Raiders for years to come as they attempt to win championships in their new Las Vegas home.

But prepare for them to entertain off the field, too, and they might as well — they don’t call Vegas the entertainment capital of the world for nothing.

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Raiders DE Maxx Crosby: Weekends in Las Vegas could be an ‘extra challenge’ for away teams

With the Raiders’ new home of Las Vegas, the scenery has definitely changed, for Maxx Crosby’s team and its opponents.

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, and with its bright lights and nightlife, gambling included, the city acts as America’s playground.

But the city is also the new home of the Raiders. Led by coach Jon Gruden, they’ll have little time to spend on the infamous Las Vegas Strip to party like tourists. Not if they want to win the Super Bowl, anyway.

During an interview with NFL Media, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby acknowledged his new situation, and he embraced it. Upon being asked how many of his friends are planning road trips to Las Vegas for Raiders games, Crosby confirmed the buzz surrounding the franchise’s move.

“Everbody. Everyone’s super excited, you know. I’ve had a lot of text messages and calls saying ‘I’ll be there, you just gotta let me know.’ You’ve got to get away from the distractions from all that, but it’s gonna be something else. I’m so excited for this whole experience.”

Crosby knows the Raiders could potentially be distracted, but they’ll get used to living there in time, at least for the most part. So what about road teams? According to NFL Media, the Vegas Knights, the local NHL team, won 29 of its 41 home games its first year in Las Vegas. Could the Raiders have similar home success in 2020?

Once again, people are talking. Crosby said he’s heard America’s playground could become a hometown advantage for the Raiders.

“People are like, ‘It’s going to be an extra challenge for teams that come in on Friday nights and try and stay away from The Strip.’ If they can’t handle their business, more power to us.”

On the way to rebuilding the franchise into a winning one, the Raiders will gladly take any advantage, especially in their first year, which will set the tone for their new high-profile home.

As one of the world’s gambling and partying epicenters, it once seemed unfathomable that the NFL would allow one of its teams to move to Las Vegas. The league has kept its distance from sports gaming to ensure its contests are independent of possible outside influence or harmed by players or officials gambling on games.

But sports in the United States are slowly gravitating toward a more agreeable relationship with the Las Vegas scene, led by the immense popularity of fantasy football.

That, combined with a new stadium partially funded by taxpayer dollars, helped the Raiders land in the entertainment capital of the world. Now, the NFL community gets to watch the previously unthinkable unfold. As Crosby said, it’s going to be something else, and it may give the Raiders an edge.

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby on first year in Las Vegas: ‘I’m trying to have 30 sacks if I can’

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is a humble player, but he’s still shooting for the stars.

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is a humble guy, even after racking up 10 quarterback sacks as a fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan and finishing second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

But he still has his sights set high. In an interview with NFL Media, Crosby was told about high praise form Major League Baseball star, C.C. Sabathia, an ardent Raiders fan. Sabathia predicted 14.5 sacks for Crosby in year No 2.

“I hold myself to a high standard. I want to be a 2.0 version of myself next year,” Crosby said. “So if the number is 14 and a half — if it’s … the number doesn’t matter. I’ve just got to be the best version of myself and the results will come.”

Upon being prodded by his interviewer, saying that the Raiders sack record of 16, set by Derrick Burgess in 2005, is within his reach, Crosby loosened up and said he wants to eclipse that number by a longshot.

“I’m trying to beat it,” he said. “I’m trying to have 30 sacks if I can.”

Crosby was perhaps the finest selection from a dynamite draft by general manager Mike Mayock when considering his draft slot and team needs. The Raiders had just 13 sacks as a team in 2018 after trading away star defensive end Khalil Mack. Crosby has helped the Raiders brass, and the team’s fans, turn the page on the controversial deal.

As long as he improves in his rookie campaign, along with other draft standouts, fellow DE Clelin Ferrell, running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Foster Moreau, among others, the Raiders will be in solid shape heading into their new Las Vegas home.