Maxx Crosby has terrorized offensive linemen for years in the NFL. The Dolphins will have to try and stop the Raiders’ edge rusher from ruining their season opener.
Left tackle Patrick Paul has a plan.
“I think with him, he’s a dynamic player,” Paul told the media. “Just beating him to a spot, getting your hands on him, getting him off his game. He likes to play with a lot of swagger. So just getting him off his game, getting him off his spots, putting your hands on him, being aggressive.”
Actually executing that plan could be a problem for the Dolphins. But Paul knows how crucial Crosby is to the Raiders’ defensive success.
“He’s a high-motor player,” Paul said. “Their defense runs off his motor, and he’s a great player.”
Raiders’ lack of success with Crosby
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Crosby has racked up 69.5 sacks over seven seasons with the Raiders. He has routinely been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. Despite having that type of force coming off the edge, Las Vegas has been a disaster of a franchise.
Crosby has played in just one playoff game in his NFL career. The recent team-wide performance has cratered, as the Raiders have seven wins over the last two seasons.
The defense has struggled despite Crosby’s play. Since he entered the NFL in 2019, the Raiders have finished in the top 20 of points allowed just one time. Even with Crosby’s high motor running the show, the Raiders haven’t been able to stop anyone.
Crosby’s Return
Head coach Klint Kubiak elected to sit Maxx Crosby for all three preseason games. Sunday will be Crosby’s first football game since Dec. 21 of last year.
Crosby participated in the Raiders joint practice with the Texans, but he hasn’t played a full game since his knee surgery. How he responds will shape the Raiders defense and their trade deadline.
But the Dolphins are expecting Crosby to be as motivated as usual in his return.
“He’s a hot head,” Paul said. “He’s a great player, so you just gotta stay on it all four quarters really.”
Kubiak saw Crosby’s ferocious attitude firsthand in training camp. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and Crosby got into a scuffle during practice that led to Kubiak suspending both for the following day’s practice.
Ultimately, the Raiders need Crosby back healthy and motivated if the defense is going to turn a corner in 2026.
