Crosby Has Noticed New Attitude from the Defense

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing for the 2023 regular season, and will take on the San Francisco 49ers in their first preseason game on Sunday.

The Raiders are hoping to return to the playoffs in 2023 after falling short in 2022. Part of what will help them win more games is improvement on defense.

According to star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ defense is playing with a different energy. Thanks to a few new additions through free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft, the Raiders will look much different on that side of the ball.

The Raiders’ defense has been making plays throughout training camp and had a good day during their first joint practice against the 49ers.

Crosby addressed the media at training camp and spoke about the differences he has noticed during this year’s training camp compared to last year.

“No question,” Crosby said. “Obviously, bringing Marcus Peters in, he’s an elite ballhawk, and you can see that every single day. I think he got another pick today. He’s just one of those guys that’s super sticky and he has great instincts. And then you’ve got [Marcus] Epps, you’ve got T-Mo [Tre’von Moehrig], those two are just on the same page at all times. And then you’ve got a young guy like Jakorian [Bennett] coming in and getting first team reps, and he’s got no choice. You’ve got three great players, you’ve got to step up and show up. So, I just love what they’re doing on the back end. They’re getting confidence together, they’re growing, and it bleeds down through the whole defense. I think obviously it starts up front. We bring pressure, and the quarterback can’t hold the ball up. So, DBs know that, and they’re breaking and not thinking or second guessing themselves, so it all goes together. And like I said, you can’t leave out the linebackers either. [Robert] Spillane is a freaking dog, he’s going crazy. You’ve got a [Divine] Deablo, [Luke] Masterson, all those guys. They’re playing hard and getting better and better. So, it’s exciting.”

The Raiders invested heavily in their defense during the offseason, and the early returns look promising. Crosby, their leader on defense, has been encouraged with what he’s seen.

The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.

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