The Week 2 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens was always going to be a clash of titans, with star quarterbacks and explosive offenses on full display. However, it was Raiders’ defensive end Maxx Crosby who stole the show with a performance defined by power, technique, and an unrelenting motor.
Right from the first whistle, Crosby made his presence felt. His anticipation off the snap count was impeccable, allowing him to split double teams, penetrate the backfield, and consistently disrupt the Ravens’ offensive rhythm. One play in particular exemplified Crosby’s impact.
Lined up on the edge, he faced a double team, a common tactic employed to neutralize elite pass rushers. Yet, Crosby remained patient. He used his exceptional body control to contort around the block, maintaining leverage and staying low to the ground. As the quarterback initiated his drop back, Crosby exploded. He executed a textbook “rip move”, using his arm to swat away the blocker’s hands while driving forward with his legs. The result was a highlight-reel sack, showcasing Crosby’s combination of athleticism and technique.
Crosby’s dominance wasn’t limited to individual brilliance. He consistently set up his teammates for success by drawing double teams, creating opportunities for blitzes, and forcing the Ravens’ offense into rushed throws and poor decisions.
His ability to win one-on-one matchups forced the Ravens to commit extra resources to blocking him, opening up opportunities for other Raiders defenders to make plays. Crosby’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet, elevating the performance of the entire defensive unit.
The Raiders, as a team, need to look no further than Crosby’s performance for inspiration. When they employ offensive formations that emphasize spreading the field, such as empty sets with three wide receivers, one tight end, and one running back, they become incredibly difficult to stop. These formations force defenses to cover the entire width of the field, creating open passing lanes for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
The key is to utilize these formations strategically, recognizing that the true strength of the Raiders’ offense lies in their ability to extend plays. When Garoppolo has time and space to work, he can dissect defenses, extending plays with his legs and finding receivers downfield.
The connection between Garoppolo and tight end Darren Waller, when given time to develop, is particularly dangerous. Waller’s size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and Garoppolo has consistently demonstrated an ability to find him in crucial moments.
Ultimately, Maxx Crosby’s performance served as a reminder of the Raiders’ defensive potential. When Crosby is firing on all cylinders, he has the ability to single-handedly disrupt opposing offenses and elevate the play of his teammates. The Raiders, with their explosive offense and a defense led by Crosby, have all the ingredients to make a serious run in a competitive AFC West.
