As training camp for the Las Vegas Raiders got underway, star pass rusher Maxx Crosby spoke highly of the team’s new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. In particular, Crosby loved his attitude and willingness to talk trash to the defense, noting that he was looking forward to competing against and going after him.
This was encouraging to see as the man Garoppolo is replacing, Derek Carr, was beloved throughout the locker room for his leadership. The team believed in him, and Garoppolo will have to earn that trust from his Raiders teammates. And it looks as if that competitive fire between himself and Crosby is already showcasing itself in practices.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Crosby and Garoppolo ‘got into it’ during 11-on-11 drills in practice, with Crosby having to take a lap afterward:
(The laps thing isn’t new; they started it last year as punishment for when guys mess up) https://t.co/UqwjHwMpTB
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 1, 2023
Something like this happening in practice is no big deal and likely occurs many times every day across the league. The fact that it was two of the team’s leaders in Crosby and Garoppolo makes it a bit interesting, but considering what Crosby said just a week ago, something like this probably should’ve been expected.
It also speaks to the competitiveness of Garoppolo. While he has the reputation of being cool, calm and collected overall, he is still a big-time competitor who wants to win. As Crosby noted, he was talking trash before even getting on the field for the Raiders, so he has a lot to prove and is eager to do so. And this type of attitude is something that can fire up his team and get them behind him as the leader.
The key for Garoppolo has always been staying healthy. When he is on the field, he has proven to be a winner in this league and is capable of taking an offense with great pieces around him and operating it at the highest level. With this Raiders team, he has all the pieces he needs to make this offense one of the best in the entire NFL.
Some minor trash-talking with the leader of the defense is par for the course and is sure to show the rest of his teammates what he is all about. Crosby likely enjoyed it more than anyone else and having to run a lap is nothing for what this means to the team overall.
