Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby Praises Former Head Coach After Week 1 Win

The Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots was framed by many as a revenge game, but not for the reasons you might think. The matchup marked the return of former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, now the offensive coordinator for the Patriots. McDaniels’ tenure in Las Vegas was short and turbulent, ending with his mid-season firing in 2023 amid reports of a fractured locker room.

Following the Raiders’ 20-13 win, all eyes turned to the players for their reactions. While many expected lingering tension, star defensive end Maxx Crosby offered a surprising and insightful perspective on his former coach. His words provided a nuanced look at a complicated legacy and shed light on why McDaniels’ coaching style evokes such different reactions from players.

Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby Reflects on Josh McDaniels

When a coach is fired amidst rumors of player discontent, it’s rare to hear a key team leader offer public praise for him, especially after just beating his new team. Yet, that’s exactly what Maxx Crosby did. In his postgame comments, Crosby showed nothing but respect for McDaniels, separating the team’s struggles from his personal and professional relationship with the coach.

“That’s my guy, I respect the hell out of coach McDaniels,” Crosby stated. “He was always great to me. I have nothing but good things to say.”

This statement cuts through the simple narrative that McDaniels was universally disliked in the Raiders’ locker room. Crosby, the undisputed heart and soul of the team, clearly built a strong rapport with McDaniels. His praise highlights that while McDaniels’ methods may not have worked for the team as a whole, he was capable of connecting with and earning the respect of certain players, particularly those with a relentless work ethic like Crosby.

A Complicated Legacy in Las Vegas

Josh McDaniels was brought to Las Vegas to install a version of the “Patriot Way,” a culture built on discipline, structure, and intense preparation. It’s a system that has produced immense success in New England but has failed to take root elsewhere, as seen in McDaniels’ previous head coaching stint with the Denver Broncos.

In Las Vegas, the approach seemed to clash with the established culture and personalities in the locker room. Reports suggested that many veterans felt the system was too rigid and that it stifled the team’s identity. The team’s 9-16 record under his leadership seemed to validate those concerns, leading to his eventual dismissal and the promotion of Antonio Pierce, who brought a more player-centric style that immediately energized the team.

Crosby’s comments, however, add a crucial layer to this story. They suggest that the issue wasn’t necessarily that McDaniels was a “bad” coach, but rather that his style was a poor fit for that specific group of players. For a self-motivated, process-driven player like Crosby, McDaniels’ structured and demanding approach likely resonated. For others who thrive on a more relational and flexible coaching style, it fell flat.

What McDaniels’ Coaching Style Means for Players

Crosby’s perspective helps explain the paradox of Josh McDaniels as a coach. He is widely regarded as a brilliant offensive mind, and his success as an assistant coach is undeniable. His ability to scheme and develop offensive talent is among the best in the league. Crosby even acknowledged this when speaking about Patriots rookie Will Campbell.

“He’s got a bright future, man, and he’s great hands with coach McDaniels,” Crosby said. “Coach McDaniels knows what he’s doing. He’s been running great offenses for a long time.”

McDaniels’ strength lies in the X’s and O’s and in building players up through a rigorous, detail-oriented process. Players who are wired to embrace that grind, like Crosby, often thrive under his tutelage. They see the method behind the madness and respect the demand for excellence.

However, the role of a head coach extends beyond strategy. It requires being a CEO of the entire organization, managing diverse personalities, and creating a unifying culture. This is where McDaniels has struggled. His system-first approach can come across as impersonal or inflexible, failing to connect with players who need a more personal touch from their leader.

Maxx Crosby’s gracious words after the win show his maturity and leadership. They also provide a valuable lesson: a coach’s success or failure is not always black and white. While Josh McDaniels’ time as the Raiders’ head coach will be remembered as a disappointment, Crosby’s respect for him proves that even in failure, strong professional relationships can be forged. For the Patriots, it’s a sign that their offense is in the hands of a proven architect, even if his time as a head coach remains a complicated chapter.