A Defensive Stalwart (Vol. 1)

The last game against the Bears really gave the Raiders faithful a shining example of what it is going to take to stay in games. This time Maxx Crosby brought enough for the Raiders to be in the winning column but it didn't manifest for the Silver and Black in the way that Crosby exudes. With a terrific performance and energy that was evident throughout the game, players like Crosby earn that superstar label. Although Crosby hasn't torn the walls down yet this season, he is very productive and demands respect from his opponent. He did a wonderful job in staying alert along the line of scrimmage and keeping Caleb Williams honest. Williams, the CHI QB, did not have many big scrambles because the line was doing a great job. Also, the running game for the Bears was severely limited. It really gave the Raiders an advantage being able to control the clock with a marginal lead, yet the imperfect play of the Raiders offense did not produce needed results.

Maxx Crosby is demonstrating a skillset that everybody knows about yet still cannot defend with confidence. It should be noted that he is a man full of passion and he pursues each game with a winning attitude. After intercepting Caleb Williams on a magical play, his energy was wildly visible on the sidelines yet he still stayed focused. He knew the game was far from over because it happened in the first quarter. He now has just two sacks on the season yet he has been atop the list of defensive disrupters through the pressure he formulates by being active around the edge. He's in his seventh year at 28 and does not seem to be slowing down. His production will be highlighted repeatedly with the rest of the Raiders' season because he has superior talent.

No matter what, since this game exhibited his potential production with every game, the defense has to follow suit. Crosby, as captain of the defense, comes with momentous leadership skills and must win on a mean streak with his teammates. Crosby flies around the ball and once he gets his hands up to deflect a pass, he can be even more dangerous. Caleb Williams discovered early the necessity to stay away from Crosby, yet Maxx has shown that he can disturb the flow of the offense. He also had a forced fumble and Caleb Williams acknowledged his respect in the concluding events of the game in how the Raiders were just aided all game long with a flying star in Maxx Crosby.