Crosby plays with a relentless edge, and this offseason has added extra motivation after he nearly landed with the Baltimore Ravens in a trade. The attention surrounding his potential return has only fueled his determination to deliver a standout campaign.
Throughout his career, Crosby has been a Defensive Player of the Year finalist on two occasions but has never finished higher than fourth in the voting. The previous two seasons were cut short by injuries, keeping him out of the running. If he can stay healthy this year, Crosby could put up substantial numbers for the Raiders. Former Raiders quarterback and former teammate Derek Carr has expressed confidence that Crosby’s recent trade drama could help him gain traction, even predicting a Defensive Player of the Year award for the season.
What Crosby Needs to Do to Win DPOY
The landscape of the NFL’s elite defenders is crowded, making a major season essential for Crosby to contend for DPOY. The reigning DPOY from the previous season was Myles Garrett, who set an NFL record with 23 sacks. While Crosby doesn’t necessarily need to reach that peak, a tally in the mid-teens—around 15 sacks—would place him in strong contention. In addition to sacks, leading the league in tackles for loss would bolster his case, along with his established reputation as one of the NFL’s best run defenders.
Roster Battles: Help on the Edge
For Crosby to maximize his sack opportunities, he needs additional pressure from his teammates. The Raiders have several options competing for complementary edge rush roles, including Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce, and rookie Keyron Crawford. There are also intriguing battles among other edge players who could impact depth and rotations.
Undrafted rookie Cian Slone and veteran Patrick Johnson have both turned heads in the preseason, creating a tight competition for a potential fifth edge spot. With Brennan Jackson placed on season-ending injured reserve, Slone and Johnson are in the mix for that role. Slone has impressed the coaching staff, frequently working with the second unit in practice. In the preseason, he delivered a notable performance against the Arizona Cardinals, recording a sack and three total tackles.
Outlook
If Crosby can stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level, the Raiders have a credible path to a formidable season. The supporting cast on the edge will be crucial; depth behind Crosby will determine how often he can come off the edge fresh and exploit opposing offenses. With the right balance and continued development from peers, Crosby could approach the ladder of elite defensive players and make a significant push for honors and recognition in what shapes up as a pivotal year for the defense.
