One of the things that makes life so tough for the Las Vegas Raiders is the division they are in. The AFC West features one of the best quarterbacks the league has ever seen in Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, as well as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the game today in Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert, and both are in their prime.
That puts a lot of pressure on the defensive line to get pressure as if players like Mahomes and Herbert are comfortable they will absolutely rip a defense apart. This is why Raiders star defensive lineman Maxx Crosby believes in the game plan when going up against them.
Crosby appeared on the ‘Games with Names’ podcast with Julian Edelman, Crosby said that when going up against players like Mahomes or Herbert, you can’t let them breathe, via Andre Castillo of SportsKeeda:
“When you’re playing a guy like Mahomes, you can’t let him breathe, you know what I mean? You have to be on his a** the whole time, Herbert’s the same way; if you give Herbert a little bit of breathing room, he’s going to come back and make a play.”
This isn’t necessarily a secret, especially against players the caliber of Mahomes and Herbert, but Crosby’s point remains factual. Getting consistent pressure and staying in their face can force mistakes and set up the offense in great positions. The Raiders even rode this game plan to victory against the Chiefs late last season.
Crosby’s comments here also mirror what was said earlier this offseason by Raiders coach Antonio Pierce about implementing the ‘Jordan Rules’ on Mahomes. A defense can not allow quarterbacks of that caliber to be comfortable, and it will be Crosby leading the way in getting pressure and hits to help put the Raiders on top when they face off.
Derek Carr looking forward to first matchup with Maxx Crosby, Raiders
Maxx Crosby undoubtedly looks forward to these matchups against the top quarterbacks in the league, but there is one quarterback looking forward to seeing him as well. The Raiders will be traveling to New Orleans to face the Saints and Derek Carr who, of course, spent the first nine years of his career with the Raiders.
And Carr is looking forward to facing his former team as well, saying he can’t wait to take on Crosby and the Raiders. Carr would jokingly add that he hopes to start a fight with Crosby and find a way to get the Raiders star ejected.
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