Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby is the leader of a 2-8 team and has just 6.5 sacks this season. But he says he’s far from done wreaking havoc on the NFL this year, and he’ll use doubt and negativity surrounding him as motivation.
Crosby’s sack total is lower than expected given his career-best 14.5 sacks last season and high expectations for the Raiders defense this year. The defense has been decimated by injuries though. The loss of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is especially devastating for Crosby, as Wilkins was supposed to be Crosby’s equal on the inside.
That’s just a sampling of what’s gone wrong for the Raiders this year. Crosby appeared on The Rush podcast and had trouble describing exactly how bad it’s been.
“It’s been a [tough] season, to say the least. I seriously can’t describe the feeling, being part of such a tough year,” he said. “You couldn’t have told me this was going to be the result.
“But at the end of the day, seven games left — and that’s all we can do. Take it one game at a time, continue to get better and improve.”
Crosby has been fueled by team and individual goals since he arrived in the NFL, and he said that won’t change down the stretch this season.
“My goals never change,” he said. “I love the doubt. I love the negativity. It’s just another opportunity to rise, and I plan on doing that. Keep leading, keep showing up, keep being the example, and that’s all I can do.”
As for the Raiders’ latest loss in Miami, Crosby said he missed some chances to make a larger impact but still felt he played well. He also played every snap on defense, as per usual.
“There were a lot of opportunities. Not every game you’re going to show up on the stat sheet.”
It’s clear that Crosby wants to make a larger impact on the stat sheet as he’s accustomed to. He knows he’s still recognized among his peers as one of the best but wants the entire world to know, too.
“I know what I’m doing. The [other] teams know what I’m doing. The people that matter know what I’m doing,” he said. “Keep sleeping. I love it. I live for it. I plan on responding in a big way. And I can’t wait to do that.
“I love a challenge. I love it when I’m being doubted. I feel like I’m constantly being slept on and it’s my duty to shut them up. That’s what I’m going to do. And I love it. I love when they doubt me and I feel like I’m at my best when my back’s against the wall.”
The Raiders have had their backs against the wall for much of Crosby’s tenure. He’s also fought through an injury this season after having surgery in the offseason. He’ll use tough times as motivation, but when he receives credit, Crosby says the positivity won’t be satisfying, either.
“The positivity’s the same thing. When all the positive stuff is going, that’s not where you build your character. You grow in character when it’s hard,” he said.
Crosby will seemingly never be satisfied until he’s recognized as one of the best defensive ends of his era and in NFL history. That’s what’s made him an elite competitor since he made a splash as a rookie from a small school.
But he desperately wants to lead a winning ballclub. It won’t happen this year, but that won’t stop Crosby from wreaking havoc on gameday, as he attempts to turn negative energy into a positive for himself, his teammates, his coaches, his fans, and his legacy.
