Can Maxx Crosby Win DPOY in 2023?
Maxx Crosby is unquestionably one of the best players in the NFL.
Each year, Crosby has found something new to add to his game. He has developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL after being a fourth round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Last season, Crosby gradually improved his run defense, becoming the fourth-highest graded run defender off the edge, according to Pro Football Focus. Crosby has put in work each offseason to improve as an all-around player, and it has paid off.
Crosby has been named to the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons, and was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2021. He has posted 37.5 sacks in his career.
Crosby has earned several accolades, but there is one still not on his plate: the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has been in the conversation to win the award the last couple of seasons, but has yet to win it.
Today, we will take a closer look at what Crosby needs to do to finally take home the hardware -- and how the Raiders’ defense as a whole can help.
Last season, Crosby posted 89 total tackles, a league-leading 22 tackles for losses, 12.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. For context, Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers won the award in 2022 with 51 tackles, 19 tackles for losses, 18.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
These numbers are favorable for Crosby, as his sack numbers continue to rise. He has improved his totals in each of the last two seasons, and will need to do so again to have a real shot at winning the award.
Fortunately for Crosby, the Raiders made investments on the edge to help him in the last two seasons, bringing in Chandler Jones last offseason and selecting Tyree Wilson in this year’s draft. Because of these two, Crosby will see more one-on-one looks with offensive tackles, which will often result in victories for him.
One of the main roadblocks for Crosby winning the award is the Raiders’ defense overall. If the defense performs similarly to last season, voters will likely take this into consideration and it may hurt his chances. If the Raiders can improve on defense and be around league average, Crosby might garner serious attention for the award.
Crosby is an elite defensive player, and he could move into the highest echelon of defensive players if he wins the Defensive Player of the Year award.
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