Coach Pierce knows Crosby is a wrecking ball and is applying the same rules McVay used for Aaron Donald
The Las Vegas Raiders offense has been struggling for most of training camp. One of the reasons is the consistent pass rush from one of the best defensive lines in football.
The leader of that defensive line is Maxx Crosby. Crosby is coming off his best season, recording 14.5 sacks and 89 total pressures according to PFF.com. His constant motor has been a problem for the Raiders offense disrupting their timing.
Recently, the offense has performed better during camp with both quarterbacks making plays. Head coach Antonio Pierce decided to have Crosby sit out more often to allow the offense to execute their plays.
“There are certain plays we want to see, and sometimes you’ve got to pull him off on those plays to get the look for the offense. I mean he is that type of player now in his career where when he makes up his mind, he’s unblockable. And I think he understands that, and we understand that.”
Sean McVay used this tactic with Aaron Donald. Donald would sit out certain plays because he was so disruptive in practice. Crosby is getting better every season and it makes sense for this to be an occurrence for the Raiders as well.
It is good for the offense to go up against elite pass rusher every week especially with T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett on the schedule early. However, they need to get on the same page with a new system in place.