Raiders' Maxx Crosby plan could lead to star edge rusher being on a snap count

2 weeks ago 8

Raiders' Maxx Crosby plan could lead to star edge rusher being on a snap count image

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 to start the 2026 season 1-0. Hopefully, their Week 1 win over an AFC East opponent leads to a better season this year than it did a year ago.

But from their Week 1 win over Miami, there was some very productive play from the defense against Malik Willis and the lackluster Dolphins offense. One of the biggest storylines might not be what was done on the field, but who was on it and when.

ESPN's Ryan McFadden shared that Maxx Crosby, the Raiders' superstar edge rusher, was on a snap count in Week 1, and that could continue.

Raiders might use a snap count for Maxx Crosby

"Edge rusher Maxx Crosby could be on a pitch count," McFadden writes. "During the Dolphins' third drive, Crosby sat out six consecutive plays."

Crosby had knee surgery this offseason, and the Raiders are limiting his snap count early this season. While it might increase as the year moves along, this snap count plan is actually a smart one.

The 2026 season isn't likely to be one where the Raiders are Super Bowl contenders. Instead, the Raiders might be a fringe playoff team, with next year's team being much more likely to wind up as a true contender.

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Not running Crosby into the ground this season makes a lot of sense. Even then, on a pitch count in Week 1, Crosby managed to record 1.5 sacks.

So, even in a more limited role to preserve his long-term health, Crosby was still very productive. Add in Kwity Paye and a few other edge rushers on the roster helping out, and this Raiders defense might be okay without Crosby playing every down.

It might not be the most exciting thing from a fan's perspective to see Crosby on the sideline enough times to truly be on a pitch count. But this plan is a smart one to manage his health and preserve him for when it matters most that he's on the field.