Raiders Opinion: Crosby And Jones Will Ignite Defensive Surge -

The fate of the Las Vegas Raiders depends on their defense. Can Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones ignite the entire unit?

The need for a capable pass rush will remain important for years to come. A dominant pass rush slows and clogs lanes. Not to mention, a quarterback under stress will attempt poorly-advised throws. The Raiders need their duo of Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones to serve as the defensive catalysts in 2022.

Better Bookend

For the Las Vegas Raiders, defensive end Maxx Crosby has been an acceptable building block for a dominant pass rush. In his first three seasons, Crosby has averaged around eight sacks per year, which landed him tied for thirty-first in 2021. Combined with former Raider Yannick Ngakoue’s ten sacks in 2021, the duo combined for over half of the team’s sacks. Now, with Chandler Jones filling in where Ngakoue left off, this pair will be circled and highlighted in every opponent’s film session.

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Perennial Threat

In 2021, Jones recorded 10.5 sacks, tying with Joey Bosa in one less game, but was able to find success not only by his own talent but also due to his counterpart, Markus Golden, recording eleven sacks of his own and demanding attention from pass blockers as well. While trotting out two high-tier defensive ends take away the opponent’s ability to slow the pass rush by a lone tight end/running back chip block, it can actually open up the running lanes. Should the offensive linemen be able to force Crosby and Jones to their outside shoulders, gaps will start to open up, placing dependency on interior linemen and linebackers.

Versatility Up Front

Should this be the case, the Raiders still find themselves in good shape, as Crosby and Jones recorded 13 and 12 tackles for loss in 2021, ranking them both in the top 20. On the passing side of things, Jones edges Crosby by a nose in the sacks department. However, Crosby recorded more pass breakups (seven, to Jones’ four). Plus, he finished in a tie for third-most among all defensive linemen. With Crosby holding the lead in both tackles for loss and pass breakups and Jones leading his new team in sacks, the Raiders’ defensive ends have developed into a two-headed monster that statistically outperformed last year’s duo of Ngakoue and Crosby.

Active Hands, Destroying Gameplans

Although neither recorded an interception in 2021, Jones forced six fumbles, ranking second only behind Joey Bosa’s seven. The unique part about Crosby and Jones’ competition remains that they still have similar skill sets. Teams cannot favor one side or the other on running plays or shift blocking focus on pass plays. Both defensive ends will closing in quickly (or absorbing a double team, giving the defense the advantage in the numbers game).

Overview

While there was a bit of confusion with the Raiders parting ways with Ngakoue, the team’s sack leader, Jones has bested the now-Colt in every major category. There has been much discussion regarding the Raiders taking the next step, and it is incredibly promising to see vital position groups doing exactly that. With both Crosby and Jones’ 2021 sack totals coming in below their peaks, 2022 is shaping up for both defensive ends to reach new heights.