Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders

In the lead-up to a highly anticipated Week 12 matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Las Vegas Raiders, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll—known for his respect for elite defensive talent—made headlines by publicly praising Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, calling him “one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL today” during a pre-game press conference. Carroll’s praise wasn’t just casual admiration; it was a detailed nod to Crosby’s consistency, work ethic, and ability to reshape games single-handedly—qualities Carroll has long valued in standout players. Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the context behind Carroll’s remarks, breaks down the specific traits that make Crosby a standout, and examines how the Raiders’ star has lived up to this high praise throughout the 2025 season. For Crosby, who has spent his entire career with the Raiders, such recognition from a legendary coach like Carroll is a testament to the impact he’s had on and off the field.

Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the context of Carroll’s comments, which came during a Wednesday press conference when asked about the Seahawks’ biggest challenges heading into their game against the Raiders. Carroll didn’t hesitate to highlight Crosby, devoting several minutes to breaking down his dominance. “You can’t prepare for Maxx with just one player—he demands extra attention every single snap,” Carroll said. “He’s got the speed to beat tackles around the edge, the strength to bull-rush through them, and the awareness to drop back into coverage when you least expect it. That kind of versatility is rare, and it makes him a nightmare for offensive coordinators.” Carroll, who has coached against some of the NFL’s greatest pass rushers over his career (including Julius Peppers and JJ Watt), noted that Crosby’s “motor” sets him apart—referring to his ability to maintain high intensity from the first snap to the last, even in blowout games. “A lot of guys dial it back when the game’s out of reach, but Maxx plays like every play could be the one that wins it,” Carroll added. “That’s the kind of competitiveness that defines great players.”

A key focus of Carroll’s praise, highlighted in Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders, is Crosby’s leadership and impact on the Raiders’ defense beyond his individual stats. While Crosby’s 11 sacks and 18 quarterback hits through 11 games are impressive on their own, Carroll emphasized how his presence elevates the entire unit. “Maxx doesn’t just make plays—he makes the players around him better,” Carroll explained. “He’s constantly communicating, pointing out offensive tendencies to his teammates, and setting the tone with his work ethic in practice. That kind of leadership turns a good defense into a great one.” Carroll’s observations align with what Raiders coaches and players have said all season: Crosby’s influence extends far beyond the field. He’s the first player in the locker room each morning, stays late to work with young defensive linemen on technique, and has become a vocal leader in team meetings. Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham echoed Carroll’s sentiments, saying, “Maxx is the heart of our defense. When he’s locked in, everyone else follows his lead. He’s not just a star—he’s the glue that holds us together.”

Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders also delves into a specific game that Carroll cited as evidence of Crosby’s dominance: the Raiders’ Week 8 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, where Crosby recorded 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble that led to a game-winning touchdown. “That game was a masterclass in how to take over a matchup,” Carroll said. “He went up against one of the best offensive lines in the league and made them look average. On that forced fumble, he didn’t just beat his blocker—he stayed disciplined, recognized the play, and made a game-changing play when his team needed it most.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, that game was a turning point in their season, propelling them into the AFC playoff conversation—and Crosby’s performance was the catalyst. What stood out most to Carroll was Crosby’s ability to impact the game even when the Chiefs tried to double-team him. “They put two guys on him for most of the second half, but he still found ways to disrupt plays,” Carroll said. “That’s the mark of a special player—being able to produce even when the opponent’s entire game plan is focused on stopping you.”

Another aspect of Crosby’s game that Carroll highlighted, explored in Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders, is his durability and consistency—traits that have made him a reliable force for the Raiders since he was drafted in 2019. Crosby has missed just two games in his seven-year career, and he’s recorded at least 10 sacks in each of the last four seasons, joining a small group of NFL defenders to achieve that feat. “Durability is underrated, but it’s one of the most important qualities for a defensive player,” Carroll said. “To be able to stay healthy and perform at a high level week in and week out—especially at a position as physically demanding as defensive end—that takes a lot of work off the field. You have to take care of your body, study film, and prepare like a professional every single day. Maxx does all of that, and it shows.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby’s durability has been a lifeline, especially during seasons when the defense has dealt with injuries to other key players. His ability to stay on the field ensures that the Raiders always have a threat up front, even when other parts of the defense are shorthanded.

Looking ahead to the future, Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders touches on how Crosby’s legacy with the Raiders continues to grow—and how recognition from coaches like Carroll solidifies his status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. At just 28 years old, Crosby is already the Raiders’ all-time leader in sacks (78) and shows no signs of slowing down. Carroll, who has a reputation for identifying future Hall of Famers, didn’t shy away from comparing Crosby to some of the greats. “If he keeps playing like this, he’s going to be in Canton one day,” Carroll said. “He has all the tools—talent, work ethic, leadership—and he’s playing for a franchise that values what he brings to the table. That’s a recipe for a legendary career.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, retaining Crosby long-term is a top priority, and his recent contract extension (a five-year, $175 million deal signed in 2024) reflects the team’s belief in his ability to lead their defense for years to come. As Crosby continues to dominate on the field, praise from coaches like Carroll will only add to his growing legacy as one of the greatest players in Raiders history.

Pete Carroll Praises Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately tells a story of mutual respect between two football minds—one a legendary coach, the other a rising star—and how that respect highlights the impact of a player who has become the face of the Raiders’ defense. Carroll’s praise isn’t just flattery; it’s a recognition of the hard work, talent, and leadership that Crosby brings to the field every week. For the Raiders, Crosby’s success is a source of pride, and for Crosby himself, it’s a validation of the effort he’s put in to become one of the NFL’s best. As the Raiders push for a playoff spot in 2025, Crosby will continue to be their most valuable defensive asset—and with praise from coaches like Carroll, his status as an elite player is now firmly cemented. In the end, Carroll’s words sum it up best: “Maxx Crosby is the kind of player you hate to play against, but you can’t help but respect. He’s a winner, and the Las Vegas Raiders are lucky to have him.”