Aside from Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby might be the biggest star for the Las Vegas Raiders this season. As one of the team's biggest leaders, it falls on him to motivate and elevate his team to the next level.
Speaking in an interview on an August 9 edition of Good Morning Football, Crosby expressed a desire for more for the franchise. Here's how he put it:
"Well, I've been here five years. We've only made the playoffs once. So that doesn’t sit right with me. So I want to be a staple of winning," he said.
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He wants more and with good reason. Entering an age 27 season, the pass rusher only has a few years of his prime left. With the quarterback far from nailed down, the franchise might spend the rest of his prime looking for a true Derek Carr upgrade.
According to Pro Football Reference, the team hasn't won the AFC West since 2002. They haven't won a Super Bowl since 1983. Should Crosby's unit reach the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, it would be their first back-to-back playoff run since 2001-2002.
Of course, for that to happen, the Raiders have a lot of things that need to go right. First, they need to get their quarterback competition ironed out between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell.
Then, their choice in that competition likely needs to throw close to 30 touchdowns. Lastly, Adams and Crosby need to remain healthy and productive for the team to have a shot.
Maxx Crosby won't get Week 1 preseason game off, Raiders HC comments indicate
After waiting for half a year, Raiders fans finally will get another taste of their team on the field. However, while many teams are making their fans wait at least one more week to see the stars, head coach Antonio Pierce is wasting no time.
"I expect all of our guys to play in the preseason," Antonio Pierce said in the first press conference of training camp, via AtoZ Sports.
If taken at face value, that includes Crosby. It also includes Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell.
Most teams only need one or two games to make a call on who their starting quarterback will be. As such, this might be the only opportunity for Raiders fans to catch the competition live.
In addition to Crosby, Davante Adams is also likely will see some work. Of course, don't expect any of the stars to be on the field for long. Most coaches yank their starters by the end of the first quarter in the first preseason game of the season.
Will Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby shine in limited reps on the field?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Good Morning Football" and H/T Sportskeeda.
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