The Dallas Cowboys had their sights set on Maxx Crosby before the trade deadline, but negotiations ultimately fell through.
Now, as the Cowboys gear up to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Sin City, the dynamic takes on a new intensity. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has already sent a clear message about what the Cowboys can expect.
Speaking on Cowboys Huddle, Schottenheimer highlighted Crosby’s unique impact on the field. “He’s so disruptive,” he said.
“Another stat that I saw literally right before I walked down here was he’s leading their team in passes defended. So, think about that. It’s usually the DBs or the safeties that are knocking balls down at the line of scrimmage. It’s not, it’s Max Crosby… I love the motor the guy has… the way the guy plays is he plays it the right way. And that’s what you love about the guy. And he is a force that we have to try to neutralize the best we can.”
The numbers certainly back up Schottenheimer‘s comments. Crosby has delivered 23 solo tackles, 14 assists, 5.0 sacks, and one interception in just nine games.
His ability to disrupt both the pass and run game makes him a rare talent in the league. Every snap seems personal for Crosby, and his relentless motor has earned him recognition as one of the NFL’s most versatile and dangerous defensive ends.
Cowboys’ failed trade attempt and Raiders’ stance
Schottenheimer’s interest in Crosby was serious; the Cowboys actively tried to acquire him. FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported, “They are calling around for help on defense, but they’re not the only ones.
Washington’s calling for a defensive end. The Eagles are always calling around, looking for help on defense. The Giants are the only ones staying put.”
However, Crosby made it clear to the Raiders that he had no intention of leaving.
Glazer confirmed the situation: “There was one team that called me and say, ‘Hey, could you find out [about Crosby’s status]?’ I told them, ‘No, he doesn’t want to go. The team said, ‘Man, we’d love him. His loyalty [is strong]. We wish it wasn’t, though.'”
Now, the Cowboys are focused on Monday night’s matchup. Schottenheimer also addressed Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and the team’s new lead back, Ashton Jeanty, emphasizing Carroll’s adherence to a power-running philosophy reminiscent of his Seattle days.
“Pete is used to having big backs, physicals. You go to Marshawn Lynch, people like that; you can turn around and hand the ball 30 times, things like that. He wants to do that,” Schottenheimer said.
Carroll did not shy away from the comparison, telling ESPN’s Ryan McFadden that Jeanty reminds him of Marshawn Lynch.
Early tape confirms Jeanty as a steady, physical playmaker in the Silver and Black offense, signaling a classic smash-mouth approach.
With both teams aware of each other’s strengths, Monday night in Las Vegas promises to be a tactical showdown.
The Cowboys will have to carefully plan around Maxx Crosby while navigating a Raiders offense built around physicality and power running, setting the stage for a highly charged matchup.
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