Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers

As one of the NFL’s most dominant edge rushers, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has faced his share of tough opponents—but few matchups test him like going up against the Los Angeles Chargers, a divisional rival with a dynamic offense and a Pro Bowl quarterback. Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers offer a rare glimpse into how a top defender prepares for a high-stakes rivalry game, blending respect for the opponent with the competitive fire that has made him a fan favorite. For Crosby, facing the Chargers isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to prove himself against one of the league’s best offenses, and his comments ahead of and after these matchups reveal the strategy, mindset, and passion that drive his performance.

Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers often begin with praise for the Chargers’ offensive line, a unit he describes as “one of the most disciplined in the NFL.” In the lead-up to Week 12’s divisional matchup, Crosby spoke at length about the challenge of going up against Chargers left guard Jamaree Salyer and tackle Trey Pipkins III, noting their ability to adapt to different pass-rush moves. “You can’t just rely on one trick against these guys,” Crosby told reporters. “Salyer has quick feet and great hand placement—he doesn’t give you much to work with. Pipkins is physical, and he knows how to use his size to neutralize speed. I spend extra time watching film on them, looking for any little tendency I can exploit. Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers always come back to preparation—because if you’re not ready for their line, you’re not going to get to the quarterback.” Crosby’s preparation paid off in that game: he recorded 4 quarterback hits and a forced fumble, though the Raiders ultimately lost 24-21. After the game, he credited the Chargers’ line for limiting his sack production, saying, “They played well—credit where credit is due. I’ll be back better next time.”

Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers also highlight his respect for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, whom he calls “one of the most talented passers in the league.” Crosby has faced Herbert six times in his career, and he often speaks about the challenge of pressuring a quarterback who can extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws on the run. “Herbert is different—he doesn’t panic when you’re in his face,” Crosby said during a radio interview ahead of Week 14. “A lot of quarterbacks will throw the ball away or make a bad decision, but Herbert stays calm. He’ll step up in the pocket, avoid the rush, and hit a receiver 30 yards downfield. That’s what makes him so dangerous. Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers always include a nod to Herbert, because he’s the engine of their offense. If you don’t account for him, you’re going to lose.” In their Week 14 rematch, Crosby sacked Herbert once and forced him into two incompletions under pressure, but Herbert still managed to lead the Chargers to a 31-14 win. After the game, Crosby said, “Herbert made some great plays—you have to tip your cap to him. He’s a guy you love to compete against because he brings out the best in you.”

Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers often touch on the intensity of the Raiders-Chargers rivalry, a matchup he describes as “personal” for both teams and fan bases. Growing up in Michigan as a football fan, Crosby said he knew about the Raiders-Chargers rivalry long before he joined the NFL, and he now relishes the chance to be part of it. “This isn’t just a divisional game—it’s a battle,” Crosby said ahead of Week 12. “The fans are passionate, the players are fired up, and every play matters. The Los Angeles Chargers know how much this game means to us, and we know how much it means to them. That’s what makes it fun. Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers always reflect that rivalry energy—because when you’re playing a team like the Chargers, you don’t just want to win, you want to dominate.” Crosby’s passion for the rivalry was on full display in Week 12, when he celebrated a fourth-quarter forced fumble by screaming toward the Chargers’ sideline. After the game, he said, “I was just letting them know we weren’t done—even if we came up short. That’s the rivalry talking.”

Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers also reveal his strategic mindset, as he often breaks down specific plays or game plans that the Raiders use to counter the Chargers’ offense. For example, ahead of Week 14, he spoke about the Raiders’ decision to use more blitz packages to pressure Herbert, noting that “you have to keep him off balance.” “We mixed it up—sometimes we’d send four rushers, sometimes five,” Crosby explained. “We wanted to make him guess. The Los Angeles Chargers have a great offense, but they’re not unbeatable. You just have to find their weak spots and attack them. Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers are always about strategy because I want fans to understand that football is as much a mental game as it is physical.” After the game, Crosby acknowledged that the Chargers adjusted well to the Raiders’ blitzes, saying, “They did a good job of picking up our pressure. We’ll go back to the drawing board and figure out what we can do better next time.”

Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers often end with a look ahead, as he already starts preparing for their next matchup the moment the final whistle blows. Despite losing both games to the Chargers this season, Crosby remains confident that the Raiders can turn the tide in the future. “We’re not far off,” he said after Week 14. “We made mistakes, but we also showed we can compete with them. The Los Angeles Chargers are a good team, but so are we. Next time we face them, it’s going to be a different story. Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers always include that sense of optimism—because I believe in this team, and I believe in our ability to win big games.” For Crosby, facing the Chargers is more than just a rivalry—it’s a chance to grow as a player and help his team succeed. As he looks ahead to next season, he said, “I’ll be watching film on the Chargers all offseason. I want to be ready for them when we meet again. This rivalry isn’t going anywhere, and neither am I.” Maxx Crosby's Comments on Facing the Los Angeles Chargers reveal a player who is equal parts competitor, strategist, and fan—someone who respects the opponent but never backs down from a challenge.