Maxx Crosby Still Dominating Through Double Teams

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Maxx Crosby Still Dominating Through Double Teams

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tyler Bischoff | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 10:19 AM ET

Maxx Crosby had the most tumultuous offseason of his career. But the Raiders defensive end hasn’t shown any drop off on the field.

The Raiders agreed to trade Crosby to the Ravens for a couple of first-round picks this offseason. But Baltimore backed out of the trade citing Crosby’s physical. That allowed Crosby to return to Las Vegas.

But even after coming back to the Raiders, the offseason was still unusual for Crosby. He had offseason surgery on his knee and didn’t participate in any offseason programs until training camp. Klint Kubiak then elected to hold Crosby out of all three preseason games.

Once the regular season began, Crosby got back to terrorizing opposing offensive lines.

Double Teams

Crosby has been double teamed more than any other player in the NFL this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Crosby has faced a double team on over 60 percent of his pass rushes.

Even with the extra attention, Crosby is fifth in the NFL with 11 pressures. As he has throughout his career, Crosby is the focus of the offensive line and still finds his way into the backfield.

But one new change this season has been around Crosby. His teammates have been making plays. The Raiders lead the NFL in pressure rate at 45.6 percent and in sacks at eight.

Free agent signing Kwity Paye has nine pressures this season, tied for seventh most in the league. Plus players like Nakobe Dean, Tonka Hemingway, Malcolm Koonce and Jonah Laulu all have at least four pressures.

The Raiders are getting pressure from defensive tackles, linebackers and Crosby’s opposite edge rusher.

Since Crosby entered the NFL in 2019, the Raiders have had just one top-20 defense. It has been a horror show around Crosby. But after two games, Las Vegas is top 10 in both points and yards allowed in 2026.

The Raiders have played a soft start to the season, but any sign of defensive dominance is welcome.

Load Management

Crosby has been on the sideline more than ever this season. Typically, Crosby never leaves the field when the Raiders are on defense. But over the last two games, he has missed 19 defensive snaps.

That decision has come from the top, as head coach Klint Kubiak has declared it is his choice to hold Crosby back.

Whether it is load management, knee surgery or failed trades, Crosby has simply returned to Las Vegas and produced like one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.