In the world of sports, rivalries are sacred and upheld with utmost importance. Speaking that your opponent is somehow better might not land one in the fans’ favorites list, but Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes knows credit should be given where it’s due.
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders play in the AFC West, one of the most contentious divisions in the past seasons. The Raiders and Chiefs have a longstanding rivalry, emboldened by fierce battles every year. The Chiefs have been one of the best teams in the division, winning three Super Bowl titles in six years, while the Raiders have suffered heavily. Since making the Super Bowl in 2002, they have been to the postseason just thrice, often finding themselves on the wrong side of the rivalry.
Still, Mahomes recognizes talent when he sees it. In a recent interview with Kay Adams, Mahomes identified Las Vegas Raiders edge Maxx Crosby as the best pass rusher he has ever played against. The three-time champion singled out Crosby’s trifecta of effort, moves, and skills as the primary reason behind his claim.
Patrick Mahomes’ statement comes just a week after Maxx Crosby had praised the quarterback in an interview with ESPN. Crosby expressed that he has the ultimate respect for the Chiefs and claimed that Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league. In the same line, Crosby had also self anointing him as the best pass rusher.
There’s no doubt that Maxx Crosby is one of the league’s top pass rushers since his debut in 2019. Over that time, he’s racked up 59.5 sacks, tied for fifth-most in the NFL with Danielle Hunter of the Houston Texans. He has also accumulated 425.5 sack yards, ranking seventh in that category.
The Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams that people are eagerly looking forward to watching in the upcoming season. In the offseason, the Raiders fired their previous coach and brought in a veteran in Pete Caroll to manage the chaos alongside new OC Chip Kelly.
The Raiders, who were troubled by their quarterback rotation, traded for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith as well. In the NFL Draft, they also managed to draft Ashton Jeanty of the Boise State Broncos to help with their weak rushing attack. Add Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers to the equation, the Raiders are a lot better, at least on paper.
However, the Raiders could still be miles away from making the noise they used to make in the 80s and the 90s. In a recent report, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report placed them most likely to finish last in the AFC West behind their rivals. However, Moton claimed that the Raiders can win seven or eight games, which is a steep increase from the four last season.
In the report, Moton admitted that the Raiders still have ground to cover before they can be considered on par with serious playoff contenders. Against teams with elite passing games, Las Vegas could face major challenges in containing explosive plays and defending against dynamic receiving threats.
