Maxx Crosby Hits Historic Milestone in Raiders’ Win Over Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders secured a crucial win over the New England Patriots to kick off the 2025 season, and once again, their defensive anchor made history. Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby recorded his first sack of the 2025 season, taking down second-year quarterback Drake Maye for a one-yard loss.

While the play itself was routine by Crosby’s standards, the milestone it represented placed him among an elite group of defenders in franchise and NFL history.

With that sack, Crosby reached 60.5 career sacks, becoming just the third player in Raiders history to surpass 60 career sacks, joining legends Howie Long and Greg Townsend. His consistency since entering the league in 2019 has been nothing short of remarkable, and he now joins legends on the Raiders’ all-time list while continuing to cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers.

Maxx Crosby Among NFL’s Elite Since 2019

Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby has consistently outperformed expectations. Known for his relentless motor and unmatched work ethic, he quickly developed into the face of the Raiders’ defense.

His sack of Maye added his name to an exclusive NFL club: only five players have recorded 60 or more sacks since 2019. That includes premier pass rushers T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, and Nick Bosa.

To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those names is no small feat. All four of those players were first-round selections, widely viewed as can’t-miss prospects.

Crosby, on the other hand, came in as a mid-round flyer out of Eastern Michigan with little expectations. His rise to stardom demonstrates how hard work, preparation, and consistency can turn potential into greatness.

Before the game, Patriots first-round pick, left tackle Will Campbell, praised Crosby while reflecting on the challenge of having to block him in his debut game.

“He’s a great player. They got a great team,” Campbell said. “There’s a bunch of good players on the defense, so we just gotta go out there and handle our business.”

The rookie added that he spent a significant amount of time watching tape to prepare for Crosby’s unique blend of speed, power, and technique.

Campbell’s comments highlight what offensive linemen around the league already know: preparing for Crosby requires extra effort. His reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest matchups has become well-earned over the years.

A Franchise Cornerstone and Defensive Leader

Beyond the numbers, Crosby has embraced his role as the heartbeat of the defense. He has consistently played through injuries, set the tone in practices, and emerged as one of the league’s most vocal leaders on and off the field.

For a Raiders team that has seen plenty of turnover in recent years, Crosby has been a steady force and a symbol of the grit and toughness the franchise has long been known for.

Crosby himself summed up his mindset before the start of the season.

“We’re trying to win. I want to win so badly… put everything into it. I want everybody else to think like that. And that’s been my goal, just bringing as many guys along as I possibly can.”

With the Raiders’ defense only allowing three second-half points against the Patriots, Crosby had this to say.

“Getting a win to start this year was super important to us. Proud of all the guys, super happy to be a part of this team and a part of this journey.”

With plenty of games left ahead of him, the All-Pro isn’t just chasing more sacks; he’s chasing a legacy that could eventually see his name mentioned among the greatest to ever wear the Silver and Black.

Maxx Crosby Has Strong Words for Josh McDaniels After Raiders Win

The Las Vegas Raiders are 1-0 to start the season after a 20-13 win over the New England Patriots in Week 1. There was a lot of intrigue in this game due to all the new pieces both teams have added this offseason.

One of the big pieces the Patriots added was offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He was previously the head coach of the Raiders before getting fired during the 2023 season. A big reason why he was let go was that it didn’t seem like the players were buying into his culture.

He took the 2024 season off and decided to return to New England, the team that turned him into a hot head coaching candidate. While there were rumors aplenty of players not liking McDaniels in Las Vegas, that doesn’t appear ot be true for every player.

Defensive end Maxx Crosby spoke about McDaniels and praised the coach.

“That’s my guy, I respect the hell out of coach McDaniels,” Crosby said after the game. “He was always great to me. I have nothing but good things to say.”

McDaniels is proven to be a strong assistant, but is missing something when it comes to being a head coach. Crosby isn’t going to feel too bad about stealing a win away from his former coach in Week 1.

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Crosby Praises Will Campbell

Another big debut for the Patritos was first-round pick Will Campbell. The young offensive lineman had some question marks heading into the draft due to his short wingspan, but the Patriots thought he was good enough to select with the No. 4 pick.

It wasn’t an amazing day for the rookie, but he was decent. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a sack, two pressures and two hurries. It’s always difficult for rookie offensive linemen in their first games, so the Patriots should be happy he didn’t give up too many pressures.

Crosby spoke highly of Campbell.

“He’s a top pick. He’s a young, talented dude,” Crosby said of Campbell. “He’s got a bright future, man, and he’s great hands with coach McDaniels. Coach McDaniels knows what he’s doing. He’s been running great offenses for a long time. He’s all about building guys up and running the football and playing physical football, and I think there’s a reason why they drafted him there. He’s got a bright future, for sure.”

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Raiders Defense Impresses in Week 1

There were major concerns regarding the Raiders’ defense heading into Week 1. The team didn’t make many big moves to sign proven players.

They instead chose to rely on veteran journeyman and young players. There were some rough patches in the first half, but the defense held the Patriots to just three points in the second.

Now, New England’s offense is a work in progress. They are also relying on young players in key positions. However, this is a good start for Las Vegas. They face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, which should be a much tougher task. If they can play well against Justin Herbert, then perhaps the Raiders’ defense is better than anybody expected.

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