Raiders' Maxx Crosby 'exhausting every single resource' to have best season of his career

Fresh off the best season of his five-year career, Maxx Crosby is setting out to improve upon it.

In 2023, the Raiders’ pass-rushing expert achieved new personal records with 14.5 sacks, 90 tackles, and a league-leading 23 tackles for loss, despite struggling with injuries for most of the year.

Crosby is reevaluating his preparation after experiencing a third consecutive season of struggling through 17 games and spending seemingly as much time on the injury report as he did making plays.

“I was damn near limited every single day, the whole season in practice, and things like that,” Crosby said, via ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. “And I had to learn to make an adjustment because I can’t just go out there and run my knee into the ground. I had to be ready for Sunday.

This offseason forced me to reassess and recalibrate, laying the groundwork for future progress. My primary objective is to become the best in the world, pound for pound. It’s not just empty talk; it pervades every aspect of my life. I am willing to do whatever it takes, travel any path necessary, to reach my goal. I am utilizing every available resource to ensure this will be the best season of my career.

Crosby incurred a knee injury in Week 2 that would persistently bother him for the rest of the season. Despite this, he participated in all the defensive snaps for 10 additional games. Only once did his participation drop below 80%, during a 63-21 rout of the Los Angeles Chargers when Las Vegas relied on backup players.

He reached the 80% snap threshold, with a notable Week 12 game against the Chiefs when Crosby played despite a doubtful designation. Over that weekend, he managed to notch up another sack and followed it up with two more in his next game, along with a season-best 10 tackles.

He remained, through it all, the Raiders’ most consistent player, a constant during a season that saw Las Vegas fire its head coach and start three different quarterbacks before November.

The team’s season ended on Jan. 7. Within three and a half weeks, Crosby underwent one procedure on his knee and another on his thumb.

“He said, “I underwent two major surgeries, and things have indeed changed. However, I’ve come to realize that there isn’t just one path to reach your goals, there are many. I have full faith in the people around me, my team, and everyone involved in my recovery process. I believe they will help me regain my full strength. Furthermore, I am ready to take the next step.”

Crosby, now healed, has been searching for the right way to not only maintain his health but also enhance his performance in the upcoming year.

There’s still room to grow after three straight Pro Bowls. Crosby has still never cracked the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting or received recognition as a first-team All-Pro. Such a jump could be made easier by having a defensive-minded head coach he pounded the table for in Antonio Pierce and new star additions to take the pressure off like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Crosby is hoping he’s overcome his injuries for the time being, but as always, they will still be a factor.

“It’s been one heck of an offseason,” he stated, “So, the ride back has been equally intense.”