Maxx Crosby Wants To “Be Leader” For Raiders

If the Raiders are going to improve in 2020, they’re going to need a better effort on the defensive side of the ball. Pro Football Outsiders had the Raiders ranked as the 31st best defense in terms of DVOA. You’re not getting into the playoffs with that. One player who could help change that perception is Maxx Crosby. After a stellar rookie year, Crosby wants to become a leader for this franchise.

“I know what we need to beat the Chiefs,” Crosby said, via Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Well, not the exact formula, but I know how much confidence is important in a locker room. If you ask me if I’m going to get Mahomes, I will say yes every time. I’ve put in the work. I want to show all the guys that we can beat anyone. I have no problem being that guy and taking any heat for it. I want to be a leader. I want to set the example.”

Few things here.

Patrick Mahomes is going to be the boogeyman to this franchise for a long time. #SAD.

Crosby was very good as a rookie. After a 10 sack campaign, it will be interesting to see him potentially build upon that. Crosby was pretty much the only thing that went right on that side of the ball for the Raiders. The middle round pick out of Eastern Michigan has been a hit for Mike Mayock’s resume. One of few but that’s besides the point.

Alex gets mad at anyone who thinks the Raiders won’t reach the 8 win mark. If that’s going to happen, it’s the free agent signings that need to make a big difference. Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski need to come in and have major impacts. The Raiders got nothing at linebacker last year. That needs to be their biggest turn around in 2020.