Maxx Crosby: ‘It’s About Performance—We’re Coming for Greatness’ After Chip Kelly Firing
In the wake of the Las Vegas Raiders' decision to fire offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, star defensive lineman Maxx Crosby wasted no time making his thoughts known. While Kelly’s departure was a difficult decision for the franchise, Crosby made it clear that the Raiders’ focus remains on one thing: performance. “At the end of the day, it’s about performance and what you bring to the table. We have to rise above and keep pushing. I respect Chip, but it’s time for this team to take control of our future. We’re not backing down, we’re coming for greatness,” Crosby said, addressing the media after the team’s latest loss.
Crosby’s statement wasn’t just a response to the firing; it was a declaration of the team’s resolve. The Raiders, sitting at 2-9, have faced a season filled with frustration and unmet expectations. Despite the talent on the roster, the team has struggled to find consistency, particularly on offense. The decision to part ways with Kelly, who was brought in as the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the league, has sent shockwaves through the locker room and the fanbase. But for Crosby, it’s a moment to regroup and focus on what truly matters—performance.
“We’ve got to rise above the noise, the frustration, and the distractions,” Crosby continued. “This team is better than what we’ve shown. It’s time for us to step up and take control. No more excuses. We’ve got the talent, but we need to perform—each and every one of us.”
Crosby’s leadership has been a steadying force in a season marked by inconsistency and turmoil. As a veteran, his ability to stay focused on the long-term goal, despite the immediate setbacks, is invaluable. He knows that it’s not just about one individual or one coach—it’s about the collective effort of the team to execute at a high level and to fight for every win.
For Crosby, the future is still very much in their hands. “We’re not backing down,” he said confidently. “We’ve got a lot of football left to play, and we’re going to make the most of every opportunity. Raider Nation deserves better, and we’re going to do everything we can to turn this thing around.”
The road to redemption won’t be easy for the Raiders, but Crosby’s words reflect the mentality they’ll need to adopt moving forward. The team must come together, rally around each other, and focus on executing consistently. The talent is there, but it’s time for the Raiders to step up and show it. For Crosby, the goal is clear: greatness.
With the firing of Chip Kelly, the Raiders now enter a new chapter. The players know that changes are necessary for improvement, but the ultimate test will come on the field. Can they respond to adversity, take control of their destiny, and start living up to the expectations that have surrounded this team for so long?
Maxx Crosby’s message is a wake-up call to both the team and their fans: the Raiders are not done yet, and with the right mindset, they can still achieve greatness.
Broncos Get Surprising Kicker News From Saints That Has Sean Payton Going Viral
NFL insider Ari Meirov reported that the New Orleans Saints are moving on from kicker Blake Grupe after multiple misses this season, less than two years after trading Wil Lutz to Denver so Grupe could take over the job.
The twist has Broncos Country talking. Lutz just landed a three-year extension with the Broncos, while Grupe is out in New Orleans and the Saints are pivoting to Cade York — a sequence that quickly sent the “Sean Payton doesn’t miss” meme flying around social media.
The #Saints are releasing K Blake Grupe after he missed 2 FGs on Sunday and has missed 8 on the year.
New Orleans traded Wil Lutz to Denver in 2023 in order to make Grupe their kicker…
Lutz just got a 3-year extension with the Broncos… Grupe gets released in New Orleans. https://t.co/BqlPuBU6CB pic.twitter.com/mChpIEsPpD
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 25, 2025
Lutz’s recent extension serves as a stark contrast
In a twist that has Broncos Country smiling, Lutz is a secured, proven kicker in the NFL, while Grupe is out in New Orleans as the Saints pivot to former Browns pick Cade York.
It did not take long for Broncos Twitter to connect the dots. The account Denver Broncos 365 quote-posted Meirov’s report with a four-word summary of the whole saga: “Sean Payton doesn’t miss.”
The Saints Moved On From Wil Lutz, but the Broncos Didn’t
When Payton arrived in Denver, one of his first reunion moves was to bring in Lutz, who spent his first seven NFL seasons kicking for the Saints under Payton. New Orleans traded Lutz to the Broncos in 2023 specifically to clear the way for Grupe, an undrafted rookie with a big leg and upside.
The gamble never fully paid off. According to Meirov’s post, Grupe’s two misses this weekend pushed his total to eight on the year, a rough number for a team looking for any semblance of stability. After sticking with him through the bumps, the Saints finally pulled the plug and are turning to York.
Meanwhile, Lutz quietly settled in as Denver’s steady leg. He impressed Payton enough to earn a new three-year deal, locking him in as the Broncos’ long-term answer at kicker while the Saints will now be onto their third option since the original trade.
For Broncos fans, the optics are juicy — especially for New Orleans.
What It Means for Sean Payton & the Broncos
On the field, nothing changes immediately for Denver. Lutz was already under contract and entrenched as the starter.
But the move in New Orleans reinforces the idea that Payton’s trust in his former kicker was more than just nostalgia. Denver cycled through kickers in recent seasons; now they have stability at a position that often only gets noticed when things go wrong.
It also adds another small data point in Payton’s favor as the Broncos continue leveling up their roster and building a contender. The head coach took plenty of heat for veteran-leaning decisions early in his Denver tenure. This one, at least, looks like a clear win: the team that gave up Lutz is still searching for answers, while the team that acquired him just doubled down.
If Lutz continues to deliver in key late-season spots, the contrast between Denver’s stability and New Orleans’ revolving door could look even sharper.
‘Sean Payton Doesn’t Miss’: Broncos Fans React to Blake Grupe Release
The kicker news immediately turned into a mini-victory lap on social media.
Broncos fans responded to the Grupe report with screenshots of Lutz’s extension, jokes about the original trade and plenty of Payton memes. The “Sean Payton doesn’t miss” line quickly became the go-to caption as fans pointed out that the coach’s faith in Lutz has already outlasted the Saints’ patience with Grupe.
It is only a kicker move, but in a league where thin margins decide seasons, Broncos Country will happily claim any win it can — especially one that makes a former Payton team look like it backed the wrong leg.
