Maxx Crosby: 'I Don’t Play to Be Good—I Play to Be Great and Lead My Team to Victory'
Maxx Crosby, the fierce and dynamic defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, has always been known for his relentless pursuit of greatness. Whether he’s sacking quarterbacks or leading the defense with his energy, Crosby’s mindset is unwavering: he plays to dominate. His recent comments after a standout game against the Houston Texans reflect that mindset and provide a glimpse into what drives him on and off the field.
“I don’t just play to be good—I play to be great. Every time I step on that field, I’m thinking about winning and making my teammates better. It’s about showing what this team is capable of and pushing ourselves to be the best. We’ve got so much more in us, and I’m excited to keep proving that,” Crosby said.
A Relentless Pursuit of Greatness
Crosby’s words resonate deeply with his teammates and the Raiders' fanbase. His approach to the game is all about leadership and accountability, and it’s evident that he holds himself to the highest standards. For Crosby, it’s not enough to simply be a good player. He’s committed to elevating the entire team, focusing not just on his personal success but on what he can do to push everyone around him to reach their potential.
His desire for greatness isn’t just about statistics or accolades; it’s about the bigger picture. “Every time I step on that field, I’m thinking about winning,” Crosby continued. For him, success is a team effort, and he understands that no single player can win a game on their own. This mentality has been a key factor in Crosby’s ability to lead and inspire his team, making him not just a fan favorite, but also a true leader within the locker room.
Pushing the Team Forward
One of Crosby’s strongest qualities is his ability to push his teammates. He’s constantly motivating others to reach their full potential, and his own work ethic sets the tone for the rest of the team. His confidence is contagious, and as the Raiders move forward in the season, Crosby’s leadership will continue to be pivotal in their pursuit of playoff contention.
Crosby’s ability to be great is also seen in his approach to every game. His determination to improve week after week, no matter the circumstances, is why he’s one of the top defensive players in the league. His passion for the game fuels his relentless drive, and his focus on greatness is something that rubs off on every player he’s around.
Looking Ahead
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming matchups, including key games in the final stretch of the season, Crosby’s leadership will be crucial. The team’s success will depend on their ability to play with the same intensity and commitment that Crosby brings every time he steps on the field. With Crosby leading the charge, the Raiders have the potential to achieve great things.
“I’m excited to keep proving that we’ve got so much more in us,” Crosby concluded. This is a player who has only scratched the surface of what he and the team are capable of, and the rest of the NFL should take note.
With his drive, leadership, and commitment to greatness, Maxx Crosby is more than just a player—he’s a difference-maker.
Commanders' Strategy to Overcome Jayden Daniels' Absence: Lean on the Rushing Attack
If the Washington Commanders want to cause a massive upset in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs with the national NFL audience watching, they'll have to do it without star quarterback Jayden Daniels. That is a body blow, so their response to offset this setback is crucial.
Daniels went down feeling his hamstring during the Dallas Cowboys game. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft sustained a low-grade strain, which isn't expected to keep him out long-term. However, it was serious enough for the coaching staff to keep him out on
Marcus Mariota gets the start for the third time this season. He's a capable understudy, and he's been a fantastic mentor to Daniels throughout his transition. Even so, it's a downgrade, and the Chiefs' defense, led by experienced coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, will smell blood in the water.
Commanders must rely on their rushing attack more than ever without Jayden Daniels
A daunting challenge awaits Mariota, especially if Washington's defense cannot keep up with a Kansas City offense that seems to be hitting its stride. It won't be easy, but there are one or two ways that would make his life a lot easier.
There is one above all else.
Run the football — a lot.
The Commanders have the league's second-best rushing attack right now, averaging 148.9 yards per game. Daniels has a lot to do with that, of course, but Kliff Kingsbury needs to rely more on the committee approach that proved so successful earlier in the campaign.
There is no Austin Ekeler to depend upon. Still, the trio of Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols, and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is more than capable of setting the tone in pursuit of keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.
Putting Mariota in more manageable second and third-down situations is the only way Washington is going to stay competitive. Asking him to be anything more than a game manager is foolish, and the creative schematic alignments Spagnuolo likes to use to confuse opposing offenses will only make things more complex in 3rd-and-longs.
The Chiefs' run defense is middle of the pack league-wide. If the Commanders can set the tone, it will open up play-action and keep Kansas City honest. But if things get away from Washington and the game is placed in Mariota's hands, that's when complications will arise.
Nobody expects the Commanders to keep this one close, which could actually work in their favor. Play with freedom. Play with passion. Play with the fire that inspired this franchise to silence all doubters last season. It might not be enough, but it's the minimum requirement.
And that starts by running the football any chance they get.
