The Las Vegas Raiders haven’t had much to celebrate the past few years as they’ve failed to make the postseason, but they do have some tangible things to be proud of.
Perhaps the best story is Maxx Crosby, whom the Raiders took in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Crosby has gone from a relative afterthought to one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. In the past two seasons, Crosby has made the Pro Bowl team, and his 182 quarterback pressures rank first among all players.
The defensive end has become the heart and soul of Las Vegas’ defense, and while he is proud of what he’s accomplished, he’s still striving for more via Vincent Bonsignore of Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“I’ve got one goal – I want to be the best at what I do,” Crosby said. “I’ve got many big goals I’m trying to achieve, and it takes more than being 50 percent in. It takes all my attention, all year round.”
“Everybody in my circle, which is a very small circle, they know what my mission is, and they understand what I go through,” Crosby said. “But that’s what it takes to be great, and that’s what I’m doing every single day.”
Crosby emphasized that his pursuit of greatness is a lifestyle and that he’s willing to do whatever he needs to reach his ceiling:
“All the other stuff, I’m going to do my absolute best to be the best version of myself,” Crosby said. “But it’s a constant mission every single day no matter what it takes and what that sacrifice happens to be.”
The veteran’s mindset and approach to his craft is something the Silver and Black faithful can be appreciative of as he embodies all the qualities the organization seeks out of its players. Crosby has turned into a quality leader both on and off the field, and it’s good timing as the team has got several young players that are in need of a mentor to help them through their early NFL careers.
Although the odds are stacked against the Raiders in the 2023 season, there’s no denying that Crosby at least gives them a fighting chance each and every week because of his grit and tenacity.
Chandler Jones feels a lot faster heading into 2023
Aside from Crosby, Las Vegas is banking on a bounce-back season for Chandler Jones, who largely struggled in 2022. However, Jones seems ready to prove he’s got gas left in the tank as he said he feels faster heading into the new campaign.
