Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers

As one of the NFL’s most dominant edge rushers and a face of the Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby has faced the Los Angeles Chargers more than a dozen times in his career—giving him a unique, firsthand perspective on the team’s evolution from a talented underachiever to an AFC contender. After each Raiders-Chargers matchup, Crosby’s post-game press conferences and media interviews offer candid, detailed thoughts on the Chargers’ strengths, challenges, and key players—insights that go beyond typical “rivalry talk” to reveal a deep respect for the opposition. From praising their defensive adjustments to analyzing Justin Herbert’s playmaking, Crosby’s comments provide a window into how one of the league’s top players views the Chargers. Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down his reflections after critical 2024 matchups, his take on the Chargers’ scheme, his respect for individual stars, and his perspective on the divisional rivalry’s intensity.

Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his reaction after the Raiders’ Week 13 loss to the Chargers—a 34-10 defeat that saw the Chargers dominate both sides of the ball. In his post-game press conference, Crosby didn’t shy away from acknowledging the Chargers’ superiority, particularly on offense. “They came out and executed every phase—you have to give them credit,” he said, leaning forward in his chair with a nod of respect. “Their offensive line was locked in today. I didn’t get a single clean look at Herbert until the fourth quarter, and that’s on us, but you can’t ignore how well they blocked. They’re not just big—they’re quick, they communicate, and they know exactly what you’re going to do before you do it.” Crosby also highlighted the Chargers’ balance, noting how their run game (145 yards) forced the Raiders to adjust their pass-rush strategy. “When they can run the ball like that, it makes our job 10 times harder,” he explained. “You can’t just pin your ears back and rush—you have to respect the run, and that gives Herbert time to find his receivers. That’s a smart, well-coached offense, and they showed it today.”

Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers next delves into his specific praise for Justin Herbert—comments that reflect a mutual respect between two of the AFC’s top talents. After the Raiders’ Week 6 loss to the Chargers (a 27-20 game decided by late plays), Crosby spoke at length about Herbert’s ability to extend plays and make tough throws under pressure. “He’s one of the few quarterbacks in this league who can turn a broken play into a 20-yard gain,” Crosby said, shaking his head with a smile. “I thought I had him sacked in the third quarter—got my hands on his jersey, pulled him back—and he still managed to flick the ball to Allen for a first down. That’s elite. You don’t see that kind of poise and athleticism very often.” Crosby also noted Herbert’s leadership, pointing to a late-game drive where the quarterback rallied the Chargers to take the lead. “He doesn’t get flustered. When the game’s on the line, he’s calm, he’s precise, and he makes everyone around him better. That’s the mark of a franchise quarterback, and the Chargers are lucky to have him.” These comments weren’t just post-game niceties—Crosby later tweeted a clip of Herbert’s third-quarter play with the caption “Respect the grind—@JustinHerbert is different.”

Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers covers his analysis of the Chargers’ defense—a unit that has gone from a liability to a strength in 2024. After the Week 13 loss, Crosby highlighted the Chargers’ defensive line and secondary as key factors in the Raiders’ struggles. “Their D-line is relentless—Bosa and Mack are a nightmare to block,” he said, referencing Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack’s combined 2 sacks and 5 pressures that day. “They don’t just rush the passer—they set the edge, they stop the run, and they make you one-dimensional. And their secondary? They’re physical, they stay with their receivers, and they don’t give you any easy completions. We tried to throw deep a few times, and their corners were right there every time.” Crosby also praised the Chargers’ defensive scheme, noting how it disrupted the Raiders’ rhythm. “They mix things up—blitz from different angles, drop linemen into coverage—and it keeps you guessing,” he explained. “You can’t get comfortable against them, and that’s a credit to their coaching staff. For the Los Angeles Chargers, having a defense that can complement their offense like that makes them a serious playoff threat—there’s no weak link anymore.”

Another layer of Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers is his take on the Raiders-Chargers rivalry—comments that reveal a mix of intensity and admiration. After every matchup, Crosby emphasizes that while the Raiders want to win, he has nothing but respect for the Chargers’ players and culture. “This rivalry is personal—we want to beat them every time we step on the field,” he said after Week 6. “But you can’t hate a team that plays the right way. They don’t trash-talk, they don’t showboat—they just play hard, and they respect the game. That’s the kind of rivalry you want—two teams going at it, leaving everything on the field, and then shaking hands afterward.” Crosby also noted how the rivalry has grown more competitive since Jim Harbaugh took over as the Chargers’ head coach. “Harbaugh has changed their culture—they’re tougher, they’re more disciplined, and they never quit,” he said. “That makes the games even better. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this rivalry isn’t just about winning—it’s about proving they’re the best team in the AFC West, and they’re doing that right now.”

Maxx Crosby's Post-Game Thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with his predictions for the Chargers’ playoff potential—insights that carry weight coming from a player who has faced them twice this season. After Week 13, Crosby didn’t hesitate to call the Chargers a “Super Bowl contender,” noting their balance and resilience. “If they stay healthy, they’re going to be hard to beat in the playoffs,” he said. “They have an offense that can score on anyone, a defense that can stop anyone, and a coach who knows how to win big games. The only thing that can stop them is themselves.” When asked about Herbert’s recent shoulder procedure and the Chargers’ backup quarterback plan, Crosby acknowledged the challenge but still gave the Chargers credit. “Losing a guy like Herbert is tough—any team would struggle,” he said. “But they have Tyrod Taylor, who’s a proven starter, and a defense that can win games on its own. If their defense keeps playing like this, they can still make a deep run.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Crosby’s post-game thoughts are more than just opponent feedback—they’re validation from one of the league’s top players that they’ve arrived as an elite team. As the Chargers push for a Super Bowl title, they’ll likely take Crosby’s respect as a sign they’re on the right path—even if it means hearing it from a rival.