For those who follow the National Football League (NFL), the name Maxx Crosby probably rings a bell. This Eastern Michigan product has not only made a name for himself but also established his prowess as one of the best defensive ends in the competitive NFL scene.
Anytime Crosby faces an offensive tackle of high repute, he takes it as a personal challenge. "There’s a raised sense of awareness when, OK, I'm going against this dude who's a Pro Bowler or an All-Pro and everyone’s hyping it up all week and it's like yeah, this is the heavyweight matchup, these two motherfu**ers," Maxx Crosby candidly shared in a recent episode of the Raw Talk podcast.
When asked about the best offensive tackle he's faced in the NFL, Crosby didn’t hesitate. “I would say the two toughest gotta be Trent Williams and Penei Sewell from Detroit," Crosby said. "Those two guys, I’ve played both of them and it was just war every play.” Crosby revealed.
In an unforgettable game in October this season, Crosby and Sewell clashed during the Lions' 26-14 victory over the Raiders on Monday Night Football. Despite Crosby's relentless attacks, Sewell kept him at bay and allowed only two quarterback pressures. It was a challenging game for Crosby, recording one of his lowest totals of the season with four pressures.
Both Sewell and Williams have had impressive seasons. Sewell not only earned the title of first-team All-Pro at right tackle but also secured the honor of being named the best offensive lineman in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Williams, on the other hand, was named first-team All-Pro at left tackle for the third consecutive season.
Crosby's performance hasn't been any less spectacular. He led the NFL in tackles for loss for two straight seasons, earning second-team All-Pro at edge rusher alongside Micah Parsons. This put him just behind Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. Crosby credits Sewell and Williams with the same quality he sees in himself and all the best players.
According to Crosby, the difference between being good and being great lies in the mental game. "You step in the league and everyone’s really good, but the mental part of it, being great under duress when you’re tired and feel like sh*t, that’s what separates the guys like myself or Trent Williams. There’s no quit in my body. I will literally go until I physically can’t go anymore."
For those curious about Crosby's future, rest assured he isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He has three years left on the four-year, $98 million extension he signed with the Raiders in 2022. With this in mind, NFL fans can look forward to many more thrilling games featuring the unstoppable Maxx Crosby.
