**Raiders Superstar Maxx Crosby Explains Why He’s ‘Kind of Mad’ at the Lions**
Maxx Crosby is a name that has come to be synonymous with relentless pressure, fierce competitiveness, and a dominating presence on the field. As a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby has been a standout player ever since he was drafted by the team in 2019. Known for his tenacity, high motor, and ability to disrupt offenses, Crosby has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and solidified his place as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. But recently, Crosby has made headlines not for his on-field dominance, but for his candid comments about the Detroit Lions — a team that, despite being in the same league, has become a source of frustration for the Raiders’ star.
So, why exactly is Maxx Crosby “kind of mad” at the Lions? What has sparked this frustration, and what does it mean for the future of both the Raiders and the Lions? In this article, we’ll break down Crosby’s feelings toward the Lions, the events leading up to his remarks, and what it means for both teams as they head into the next season.
### **Maxx Crosby: A Superstar in the Making**
Before diving into Crosby’s frustrations with the Lions, it’s important to take a closer look at the man himself. Maxx Crosby’s rise to prominence in the NFL has been nothing short of extraordinary. Originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby’s journey to stardom has been one of hard work and perseverance. Over the course of his career, Crosby has quickly become one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 255 pounds, Crosby possesses an ideal combination of size, speed, and strength that allows him to wreak havoc in the backfield. His 2021 season was a breakout year, as he recorded 8 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl. But Crosby’s value to the Raiders goes beyond just sack totals. His relentless style of play, motor that never stops, and leadership in the locker room have made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense.
Crosby is not only an on-field force, but also someone who isn’t afraid to speak his mind off the field. Throughout his career, he’s made headlines for his honest and transparent opinions, and this time, his remarks about the Detroit Lions have created waves in the NFL community.
### **The Frustration with the Lions: What Happened?**
In a recent interview, Maxx Crosby opened up about why he feels “kind of mad” at the Detroit Lions. While Crosby has always been known for his competitiveness, his frustration stems from an event that occurred in the lead-up to the 2023 season and the play of the Lions’ defense. It all started with a rather unexpected game between the Raiders and the Lions during the preseason. This seemingly innocuous matchup turned into a source of tension between the two teams.
#### **Preseason Showdown: Raiders vs. Lions**
The preseason is a time for teams to experiment, evaluate young talent, and work out kinks before the regular season kicks off. For the Raiders and Lions, their matchup in the 2023 preseason was no different. While preseason games generally don’t hold the same significance as regular-season contests, they can still serve as a stage for players to showcase their skills and for coaching staffs to assess their rosters.
In the game between the Raiders and the Lions, the Raiders’ offense was able to move the ball effectively, but it was the Lions’ defense that caught Crosby’s attention — and not in a good way. The Lions’ defense, which had been showing significant improvement under head coach Dan Campbell’s regime, brought an aggressive and physical style to the game. Crosby, who is known for his intensity, found himself frustrated by the constant pressure and hits he took from the Lions’ defenders. While these types of plays are typical of football, Crosby felt that the Lions were playing with a bit more aggression than usual — and it didn’t sit well with him.
#### **Maxx Crosby’s Comments: Why He’s ‘Kind of Mad’**
Crosby was asked about the Lions’ style of play following the preseason game, and his response was blunt. “Yeah, I’m kind of mad at the Lions,” Crosby said with a smile. “They were doing a lot of extra stuff on the field. I get it — they’re trying to make a statement, but that’s not my style. I respect hard play, but when it crosses the line, that’s where I get frustrated.”
Crosby’s comments struck a chord with many in the NFL community, as the defensive end is known for his own relentless style of play. But his frustration wasn’t just with the physicality on the field; it was about what he perceived as a lack of sportsmanship from the Lions. According to Crosby, the Lions were crossing the line by engaging in “extra stuff,” which he described as borderline dirty play. While he was careful not to accuse any specific players of acting maliciously, Crosby made it clear that he didn’t appreciate the way the Lions played during the game.
“Football is a physical sport, but there’s a way to play it without being cheap,” Crosby continued. “I’ve played against some of the best defenses in the league, and it’s never been like that. I’m all for being physical, but there’s a fine line.”
#### **Is Maxx Crosby’s Frustration Justified?**
While it’s clear that Maxx Crosby was frustrated by the Lions’ physicality during the game, it’s important to consider whether his frustration is justified. The Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, have built a reputation for being a tough, blue-collar team. Known for their gritty, hard-hitting style of football, the Lions have been making strides in recent years to improve their defense and physicality. Their aggressive nature is part of what has made them a dangerous team — especially against high-powered offenses like that of the Raiders.
For many, Crosby’s comments might seem like sour grapes after taking a few hard hits from a team that’s trying to make a name for itself. The Lions, after all, have been rebuilding for years, and their aggressive approach is a part of their identity. But at the same time, Crosby’s perspective as a seasoned NFL player and leader of the Raiders defense shouldn’t be dismissed outright. His frustration highlights the ongoing tension that can arise between two teams with contrasting styles of play.
### **The Impact of the Frustration on the Raiders and Lions**
While Crosby’s comments may have been directed at the Lions’ physicality, they have broader implications for both teams. The Raiders are coming off a disappointing 2023 season and will need to regroup and strengthen their roster for the upcoming seasons. Crosby’s leadership and intensity will be essential for the Raiders as they look to improve their defense and build a more cohesive unit.
On the other hand, the Lions are in the midst of an exciting phase of their rebuild, with young players stepping up on both sides of the ball. The tension between Crosby and the Lions could serve as extra motivation for both teams — especially when they face off again in the future. The Lions may feel motivated to prove that their style of play is not only effective but also necessary for their success, while Crosby and the Raiders may use the frustration as fuel to take their own game to the next level.
#### **The Future of Maxx Crosby and the Raiders**
Despite his frustration with the Lions, Maxx Crosby’s future in Las Vegas remains bright. He has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL and will continue to be a leader on the Raiders’ defense moving forward. For Crosby, his competitive nature and desire to win will only intensify as he looks to bounce back from a tough season and lead the Raiders to greater success.
Crosby’s comments about the Lions, though seemingly personal, are a reflection of his desire to compete at the highest level. As a player who thrives on high stakes and tough competition, Crosby’s frustration is a testament to his passion for the game.
### **Conclusion: A Rivalry in the Making?**
Maxx Crosby’s comments about the Detroit Lions may have been sparked by frustration in the heat of the moment, but they have certainly captured the attention of NFL fans. Whether or not the Raiders and Lions develop a full-fledged rivalry in the coming years, it’s clear that both teams will have their eyes on each other the next time they face off on the field. Crosby’s “kind of mad” attitude might just be the beginning of a new chapter in what could become an intriguing matchup in the NFL. As both teams continue to evolve, their paths may cross again — and when they do, it’s sure to be a game full of intensity, physicality, and plenty of fireworks.
