Maxx Crosby explains the advantage he holds in Week 16
Maxx Crosby is no stranger to the cold, thankfully. The Las Vegas Raiders (6-8), 4-1 in the last five weeks, are traveling to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers (6-8) on Saturday, and the weather is calling for zero degrees and 43 MPH wind. But Crosby, the Raiders' resident cold-weather expert isn't worried. He has a […]
Maxx Crosby is no stranger to the cold, thankfully.
The Las Vegas Raiders (6-8), 4-1 in the last five weeks, are traveling to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers (6-8) on Saturday, and the weather is calling for zero degrees and 43 MPH wind. But Crosby, the Raiders' resident cold-weather expert isn't worried. He has a history of playing in the cold. It's an advantage.
“The Raiders and Steelers playing in the cold. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Crosby said.
Though Saturday may be one of the coldest games in franchise history, the fridge temperatures aren't new to Crosby. He played his college ball at Eastern Michigan University, where he's played in a host of cold-weather games.
"Playing in the cold is a little bit different, you're a little bit uncomfortable, but that is what football is all about," Crosby said. "It's not something I am new to, I played at Eastern Michigan, so I am pretty used to the cold. So, I am looking forward to it. It'll be a lot of fun. And hopefully, there will be some snow."
Crosby's impact on the defense
That must be music to the rest of the defenses' ears.
Crosby is the unquestioned leader of a defense that is trending in the right direction. In the last five weeks, Crosby has tallied 21 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
He sits seventh in the NFL in sacks with 7.5. And Crosby is tied for fourth in forced fumbles with three on the season.
"It's just playing football," Crosby said. "The majority of the game is about playing with swag and confidence, and I think we are doing that."
The Raiders have to do more of that on defense in some of the coldest temperatures in franchise history. The good news is the defense has a cold-weather leader in its star defensive end.
Related Las Vegas Raiders reading
"Raiders' Derek Carr breaks down the key to playing in the cold."
"Josh McDaniels isn't worried about the one thing out of the Raiders' control."
Feature image via Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
