
Maxx Crosby doesn't need any extra motivation when Patrick Mahomes is standing on the other side of the field. With the Kansas City Chiefs coming to Las Vegas this weekend, the Raiders star made his feelings about another meeting with Mahomes perfectly clear.
The Raiders are 3-0 after another road win, this time against the New Orleans Saints. Crosby enjoyed the victory, but his attention quickly shifted toward Kansas City.
"Done. Next. We're on to the next one," Crosby said on "The Rush With Maxx Crosby." "We already know what time it is. KC week."
Crosby and Mahomes have seen plenty of each other over the years as AFC West rivals. When asked what it is about facing Mahomes that brings something different out of him, Crosby pointed to the competitive nature of both players.
"I think it's just the competitors," Crosby said. "There's levels to competitors in this league and there's no higher league than the NFL and you get the best of the best."
There's also a little extra anticipation this time around.
Crosby explained that he was banged up during the first meeting with Kansas City last season and wasn't really able to play the way he wanted. Neither Crosby nor Mahomes played in the second matchup.
It's been a while since the two have truly gone at each other.
"I know we're both looking forward to it,” Crosby said. "I respect the s--- out of him. He knows what it is. It's war. There's no other words needed."
The most interesting part of Crosby's comments wasn't trash talk. There really wasn't any.
He clearly respects Mahomes. He also knows exactly what the quarterback has represented for Kansas City and what these divisional games have become for Las Vegas.
The difference this time is where the Raiders find themselves.
Las Vegas is unbeaten through three games, and Crosby repeatedly made it clear that the fast start hasn't changed the approach inside the locker room. He said three wins don't put anyone in the playoffs and that the Raiders still have plenty of work ahead of them.
Kansas City now provides the biggest test yet.
For Crosby, it also means finally getting another real opportunity to chase Mahomes around for four quarters.
Respect can wait until afterward.
For now, as Crosby put it, it's war.
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