Raiders' Maxx Crosby praises Ravens' Lamar Jackson speed
Maxx Crosby, an elite NFL pass rusher, admits Lamar Jackson's speed is nearly unstoppable, even for him, after recording two sacks against Jackson in their last two meetings. The Raiders' failed trade
Maxx Crosby admitted on Tuesday that even he struggles to catch Lamar Jackson, one of the NFL’s quickest and most elusive quarterbacks. The Las Vegas
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The admission from an elite pass rusher like Maxx Crosby about Lamar Jackson’s elusiveness cuts to the heart of why the Ravens’ quarterback remains one of the NFL’s most polarizing figures. Beyond the failed trade saga, Crosby’s remarks underscore a growing consensus that Jackson’s dual-threat abilities—even in losing efforts—force defensive coordinators to rethink fundamental strategies. His candor also signals a potential shift in how top-tier defenders perceive mobile QBs, potentially influencing future contract negotiations and trade markets.
Background Context
Jackson’s struggles in high-leverage playoff games have long overshadowed his regular-season dominance, but Crosby’s comments reframe the debate around his viability as a franchise cornerstone. The failed trade negotiations between the Ravens and Raiders hint at deeper concerns about Jackson’s ability to elevate a team in must-win moments, despite his regular-season résumé. Meanwhile, Crosby’s Raiders—a team that once pursued Jackson aggressively—now face their own quarterback questions, adding a layer of irony to the dynamic.
What Happens Next
The Ravens’ front office now faces a critical inflection point: either double down on Jackson with a new deal or explore alternatives, knowing Crosby’s assessment could sway other teams’ evaluations. For Jackson, the pressure mounts to prove his playoff mettle in a contract year, while Crosby’s Raiders may reconsider their long-term QB strategy amid shifting defensive philosophies. Expect contract talks to hinge less on past performance and more on Jackson’s ability to silence skeptics in crunch time.
Bigger Picture
Crosby’s remarks reflect a broader NFL trend where elite edge rushers are increasingly vocal about the challenges posed by dual-threat QBs, a shift that could accelerate rule changes or defensive innovations. Jackson’s case also highlights the widening gap between regular-season success and postseason expectations, a divide that may force teams to redefine how they value franchise quarterbacks. As mobility becomes a prerequisite for QB excellence, the league’s balance of power could tilt further toward offensive schemes built around speed and improvisation.
