Raiders Bench Maxx Crosby, Leaving Eric Stokes Concerned

The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to bench star defensive end Maxx Crosby for their upcoming game against the New York Giants has raised eyebrows across the league. With both teams holding a record of 2-13, the Raiders appear to be prioritizing their draft position by opting not to play their standout player in Week 17.

Crosby, who has been a key asset for the Raiders this season, is not pleased with the decision. Reports indicate that he left the team’s facility, underscoring his dissatisfaction with the management’s approach. This decision not only impacts Crosby but also concerns his teammates, including former Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes, who is already feeling the strain of Crosby’s absence.

Stokes acknowledged the challenges his team will face without Crosby on the field. “You already know it’s gonna be hell,” he remarked about the situation. He expressed admiration for Crosby’s consistent performance, stating, “I love playing with Maxx. I know what I’m getting out of Maxx every single play.” The defensive end’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays has been crucial for the Raiders’ defensive strategy.

Through Week 16, Crosby had impressive statistics, including 10 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles for loss. His absence from the lineup will undoubtedly alter the dynamics of the Raiders’ defense. Stokes elaborated, “It’s going to make it a little bit harder… the ball can’t come out as fast as it normally would. You gotta cover a little bit more.” He emphasized the need for the remaining players to step up in order to mitigate the impact of Crosby’s sidelining.

Stokes, who signed a one-year contract with the Raiders valued at $3.5 million after becoming a free agent, is focusing on his performance as he heads into another contract cycle. Previously, the Packers had declined his $12.5 million team option, allowing him to explore opportunities elsewhere. In this season with the Raiders, Stokes has recorded 46 tackles and a career-best five passes defended.

As he reflects on the situation, Stokes recognizes the broader implications for his future. “I can’t do nothing more about it… All I can do is just worry about me at the end of the day,” he stated. With contract negotiations looming, the performance in the remaining games will be critical for him.

When asked about his desire to remain with the Raiders beyond this season, Stokes responded, “If I got the opportunity I would love to. If not, it is what it is.” His commitment to the team is evident, but he must also prioritize his own career trajectory as the season wraps up.

In summary, the Raiders’ decision to bench Maxx Crosby has not only affected the team’s competitiveness but also raised concerns among players like Eric Stokes, who now face a tougher road ahead without their defensive leader. With the NFL draft on the horizon, the ramifications of this decision will be scrutinized, impacting both individual careers and the team’s future direction.