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'It starts with Maxx' - Isaiah Pola-Mao describes how the Raiders are preparing in the offseason

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 6:06 PM ET

In 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders only won four games. But, you didn't need me to tell you that -- you all watched them play some of the worst football imaginable last season. 2025, though, could be very different.

It's not hard to win more than four games. The bar is set pretty low. But this team has the potential to be in the race for a wildcard spot. They have a much better roster now than they did this time last year, and especially than they did during the middle and end of the season. And they definitely have a better coaching staff after hiring former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

But that doesn't actually mean anything. They still have to put in the work. They know that, and that's exactly what they have been doing.

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“I think it's just preparation," safety Isaiah Pola-Mao told reporters during mandatory minicamp. "It builds confidence, and I preach that all the time to the young guys. But I think it just starts with a daily grind. And it starts with Maxx [Crosby]. Everybody's trying to get better every day, so we kind of just follow his lead and follow PG’s [Patrick Graham’s] lead. And of course, Pete [Carroll] is always talking about that. So, I mean, it's pretty easy to fall in line.”

Following that guy's lead is actually exactly what you want to do. Sure, he is a leader, and the identity of the franchise -- what it means to be a Raider. But, he's also the hardest worker and has the best mentality you can have if you want to win. And, I'm not sure that is a hot take. There may not be anyone in the entire NFL who works harder than Crosby does.

The Raiders are definitely following Crosby's lead.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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