Maxx Crosby logged a full practice for the first time since December Wednesday and the quarterbacks are getting a bit jumpy.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klink Kubiak and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard reminded the superstar pass-rusher that QBs wear red for a reason.
Crosby admitted that he has been warned not to hit the passer since college — and had been booted out of practices to protect the signal-callers.
Kirk Cousins, who will begin the season as the starter, says that No. 98’s reputation precedes him.
“I’m just a little bit nervous that he’s got to respect the red jersey these next few weeks, so I’ll try to make sure that happens,” he said.
Crosby underwent knee surgery in January and was almost a Baltimore Raven until the team pulled the plug over health concerns.
The 28-year-old couldn’t bend his left knee for two months and needed his wife Rachel’s support throughout a brutal recovery.
As a two-star recruit with few offers and a fourth-round draft pick, Crosby has always played with a chip on his shoulder.
His failed trade is just more fuel for the fire.
“Of course, there’s added motivation,” Crosby said, via The Athletic. “It’s beautiful at the same time.
“I love being doubted. I love being told I can’t do something because I’ll go to the end of the world to make it happen.
“It’s a blessing, man. I love this game. I heard all the noise and all those things, but everyone knows that when my back’s against the wall, that’s when I’m at my best.
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“I love the pressure. That’s what I live and thrive on. It’s just added points and gives me a little more reason to go out there and whoop ass.”
Raiders hope Fernando Mendoza is the answer
Fernando Mendoza is next in line at quarterback, but Cousins is enjoying the competition.
“I think that’s pro football,” he said. “I think every day we go out there, we all try to work together and raise the standard every day for one another. I think every position group, we’re all competing.
“I just think that’s the world we’ve lived in even going back to college. They’re going to put as many good players in a room as they can and see who can come out as the guy who is taking the spot to play.
“We’re all supporting one another and working together. That’s just the journey we’ve always been on, and it’s pretty much the norm.”
Cousins is enjoying his status as the old head, but the relationship is not one-way traffic.
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“I think it’s just a great daily conversation in the meeting room, certainly on the practice field, but even in the downtimes in the cafeteria,” said the father of two. “The conversation can drift from football to other things, and we can all learn from each other. So, I enjoy being in here with the guys.
“When I’m at home in the summer, I get a lot of time with my family, which is nice too. But it’s also fun to hang out with a bunch of young 25-year-olds with a lot of energy, and they make me laugh.
“I was laughing almost till I cried yesterday at lunch. The guys are so funny. So, I didn’t have that the last six weeks in the summer break. So, it’s good to get back with everybody.”
Cousins played 10 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 and the hope is that he will thrive in Vegas to allow Mendoza time to develop.
He may even get a full season if all is well, but the pressure is on the Raiders brass to find some Ws.
If the team gets off to a slow start, Crosby could be the least of Cousins’ problems.
