Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers

In the fiercely contested AFC West, few individual rivalries burn as bright as Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby’s battle with the Los Angeles Chargers. For half a decade, Crosby has turned matchups against the Chargers into must-watch theater—using his relentless pass rush, physicality, and competitive fire to disrupt their offense and fuel his team’s hopes. What began as a young player’s desire to prove himself has evolved into a full-fledged rivalry, with Crosby consistently saving some of his best performances for the Chargers. Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers explores the roots of this intense competition, the standout moments that have defined it, and how it continues to shape divisional battles in the NFL.

The foundation of Crosby’s rivalry with the Chargers lies in his ability to rise to the occasion against them, turning each matchup into a personal showcase. Since entering the NFL in 2019, Crosby has recorded 14 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles in 10 games against the Chargers—stats that far exceed his average against other divisional foes. What makes these numbers even more impressive is the context: many of these plays have come in high-stakes moments, like his strip-sack of Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter of a 2023 game that sealed a Raiders victory. “The Chargers have always been a team that brings out the best in me,” Crosby said in a 2024 interview. “They have a great offensive line, a talented quarterback, and they play hard—so you have to be at your absolute best to beat them. That challenge is what I live for.” Crosby’s focus on the Chargers starts weeks before each game: he studies film of their offensive tackles (often Jamaree Salyer or Trey Pipkins III) for hours, memorizing their tendencies and identifying weaknesses to exploit. This preparation has made him a nightmare for the Chargers’ offense, with Herbert once admitting, “Maxx is one of the few players you have to game-plan around every single week. He never takes a play off.” Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers emphasizes that this rivalry isn’t one-sided—it’s a battle of wills between a elite pass rusher and a team determined to neutralize him.

A defining moment in Crosby’s rivalry with the Chargers came in Week 17 of the 2022 season, a win-or-go-home game for both teams in the playoff race. With the Raiders trailing 20-17 in the fourth quarter and the Chargers driving for a potential game-sealing field goal, Crosby made a play that would become legendary in Raiders lore. On third-and-5 at the Raiders’ 30-yard line, he beat Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater with a quick inside move, sacked Herbert, and forced a fumble that the Raiders recovered. The Raiders would go on to win the game 35-32 in overtime, ending the Chargers’ playoff hopes. “That play was everything this rivalry is about,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels at the time. “Maxx stepped up when we needed him most, against a team he’s had so many battles with. That’s the mark of a great player.” The moment was particularly satisfying for Crosby, who had been held without a sack in the first meeting between the teams that season. “I took that first game personally,” he later said. “I knew I had to make up for it in the rematch, and luckily, I got the chance.” For the Chargers, the play was a painful reminder of Crosby’s threat—one that would shape their game plans for future matchups. Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers highlights that this moment wasn’t just a win for the Raiders; it deepened the intensity of Crosby’s rivalry with the Chargers, turning every subsequent meeting into a chance for redemption.

Crosby’s rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers has also forced the team to evolve its offensive strategy, creating a tactical chess match that adds another layer to their matchups. In recent seasons, the Chargers have adjusted their approach to slow Crosby down: they’ve used tight ends and running backs to chip him before releasing into routes, shifted their offensive line to give their tackles extra help, and even designed plays to get the ball out of Herbert’s hands faster to avoid his pass rush. These adjustments were on full display in their 2024 Week 6 matchup, when the Chargers used a combination of double teams and quick passes to limit Crosby to just one quarterback hit and no sacks—a rare quiet game for him against the team. “We spend more time preparing for Maxx than any other player we face,” said Chargers offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “You can’t just line up and block him one-on-one—you need a plan, and you need everyone executing it perfectly.” The Los Angeles Chargers’ ability to adapt to Crosby’s threat has made their matchups even more compelling, as it’s not just a battle between Crosby and the offensive line, but between two coaching staffs trying to outsmart each other. Crosby, in turn, has adjusted his game, adding new pass-rush moves to counter the Chargers’ schemes. “They change what they do, so I have to change what I do,” he said. “That’s what makes this rivalry fun—it’s always evolving.” Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers shows that the Los Angeles Chargers’ tactical adjustments have turned this rivalry into a masterclass in NFL strategy, benefiting both teams in the long run.

Off the field, Crosby’s rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers has become a source of motivation for both sides, with players and fans alike embracing the intensity of the matchups. Crosby has never shied away from talking about his focus on the Chargers, often referencing their games as “must-wins” in press conferences. This competitiveness has rubbed off on his teammates, who see Crosby’s fire and match it when facing the Chargers. For the Chargers, Crosby’s trash talk and on-field intensity have become a rallying point—something they use to fuel their own preparation. “When you know a player like Maxx is targeting you, it makes you work harder,” said Chargers tight end Gerald Everett. “You don’t want to be the one he beats for a sack or a forced fumble. So you put in extra work, and you make sure you’re ready.” The rivalry has also resonated with fans, who fill stadiums (both in Los Angeles and Las Vegas) with chants and signs referencing Crosby’s battles with the Chargers. During a 2023 game at SoFi Stadium, Chargers fans held up signs that read “Stop Maxx” and “Crosby Who?”, while Raiders fans countered with “Maxx’s House” banners. This fan energy has turned Chargers-Raiders games into some of the most electric in the NFL, with the rivalry between Crosby and the Chargers at the center of it all. The Los Angeles Chargers’ players have acknowledged that this fan passion adds to the stakes, making every play against Crosby feel even more important. Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers underscores that the Los Angeles Chargers’ rivalry with Crosby is more than just on-field competition—it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites players and fans in their love of the game.

Looking ahead, Crosby’s rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers shows no signs of slowing down, especially as both teams compete for AFC West titles and playoff spots in the coming years. With Herbert signed to a long-term contract and Crosby firmly established as the Raiders’ defensive anchor, their battles will continue to be a highlight of the NFL calendar. What makes this rivalry special is its authenticity: it’s not manufactured by the media or marketing—it’s a genuine competition between a player who loves to win and a team determined to stop him. “As long as I’m playing for the Raiders, the Chargers will be a team I circle on my calendar,” Crosby said. “They bring out the best in me, and I hope I bring out the best in them. That’s what rivalries are supposed to be.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, the challenge of stopping Crosby will remain a top priority, as they know limiting his impact is often the key to beating the Raiders. “Maxx is a great player, and we have a lot of respect for him,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. “But we also have a lot of respect for ourselves. We’ll keep working, keep adjusting, and keep fighting every time we play him.” Maxx Crosby's Rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers concludes that Crosby’s rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers is a testament to the best of the NFL—intense competition, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence. It’s a rivalry that will be remembered for years to come, not just for the sacks and forced fumbles, but for the way it pushed both sides to be better.