Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby has seen it all in his tenure—the hype, the downfalls, the coaching changes, and the countless dramas associated with the Silver and Black. Still, this season is different—he’s got himself a true partner that could change everything.
With voluntary workouts taking place this week, you can say football is back (sort of). As for Crosby, it’s another season and an opportunity to do what he’s dying to do: just win, baby. Luckily for him, Christian Wilkins will provide the much-needed presence inside that could end up turning the Raiders’ defensive front into a juggernaut. Don’t forget, Malcolm Koonce’s emergence last season also provides hope, with Tyree Wilson not far behind if he can hit his stride in Year 2.
Talk is cheap for Raiders star Maxx Crosby, let’s wait until the action starts…
Until football is actually played, though, this is all still hype—something Crosby has experienced plenty of before. While speaking with the media this week, Crosby reemphasized his excitement for Wilkins’ addition, but he remains grounded as the leader he is.
“Potential is one thing, action is another. For us, it’s about the work. We have a ton of work to do. Me and Christian haven’t played a single snap together, we haven’t done a single rep together, so at the end of the day, we’ve got a ton of work to do. I’ve said it many times: Christian is a great player.”
Simple as that, it’s about getting to work and not buying into the hype—especially not this early. Let’s not forget that the Raiders’ roster is far from being completed, with the draft coming up as well as the bevy of camp additions and cuts we’re bound to see.
While all of that is undeniable, it’s always refreshing to see and hear how grounded Crosby is. He also made note of the connection between Wilkins, himself, and former Raiders first-round pick Clelin Ferrell. The established rapport between Crosby and the team’s newest addition will bode well from a chemistry standpoint.
Let’s see some results first.
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