For Crosby, Double Teams Equal the "Ultimate Respect"

Las Vegas Raiders' defensive end Maxx Crosby has gone from a focal point for offensive coordinators to the focal point for offensive coordinators.

Last season, defensive end Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders accounted for 89 total tackles, with 58 of those being solo tackles and finished with a career-high 12.5 sacks last year.

Last season was undoubtedly Crosby's best season in the National Football League.

Crosby has been one of the best defensive linemen in the league over the last few seasons. However, with better play comes increased attention from opposing offensive coordinators who know how tough Crosby is to contain. 

Buffalo Bills' Coach Sean McDermott shared that negating Crosby was not only crucial for the Bills but was first on their offensive coaching staff's plan of attack.

“Thought [Ken] Dorsey did a good job today with the game plan and changing some things up in terms of making sure it wasn’t single blocks all the time,” McDermott said. 

“In terms of being able to chip … Crosby, who’s a heck of a player. I think again everything in moderation, being able to make sure that that guy doesn’t wreck the game; the game plan is where you start.”

After leading the NFL in tackles for losses, pressures, and quarterback  hits last season, Crosby has seen more attention from offensive coordinators and linemen than at any point in his career.

“I mean when you designate two people to one person, which we've done that plenty of times too," Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels said. "Look, that's a compliment to the player because obviously he's a hugely impactful player for us and he's been a great player for a number of years now.

"And a lot of teams do that, so if the offense chooses to do that, then they obviously are putting more resources into that and then maybe running, putting five people in the pattern, etc."

Last Sunday, the Bills did an excellent job of taking Crosby out of the game and forcing other defensive linemen to beat them. Crosby, being the veteran that he is, sees double and triple teams as a challenge. 

"It's the ultimate respect, getting chipped, getting slides and things like that," Crosby said. "You can get frustrated by it and get irritated or you can find a way. For me, that's what it all comes down to, finding ways to affect the game no matter what.

"If they send two or three, doesn't matter. I've got to find a way to be at my best. That's what I'm seeking every single day." 

Crosby receiving added attention was expected entering the season. However, after the game the Bills' offensive line had against the Raiders' defensive line and Crosby, Las Vegas should expect many other offensive coordinators to try implementing similar game plans as Buffalo.

As they say, it is a copycat league. 

The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.

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