Maxx Crosby wasn’t interested in letting the Las Vegas Raiders spend too much time celebrating their latest victory.
After Las Vegas defeated the New Orleans Saints 35-27 to move to 3-0, Crosby delivered an emphatic locker-room message. The star defensive end reminded his teammates that their attention now had to turn toward the Kansas City Chiefs, who’ll visit Allegiant Stadium in Week 4.
“It’s a great f****** win, but we got a great f****** team coming into town. We already know what the f***, we already know what it is, bro, it’s the f****** Kansas City Chiefs,” Crosby said.
“Enjoy this s*** tonight. Take care of your bodies and we’re f****** on a war path to get what we want, man. Love y’all boys. Let’s get it! Gang on me! Gang on three! 1 2 3, gang!”
The Raiders haven’t opened a season 3-0 since 2021, making their start particularly significant. However, Crosby knows an unbeaten record through three games won’t mean much if Las Vegas can’t maintain its intensity against one of its biggest AFC West rivals.
His comments, shared by The Rush with Maxx Crosby on September 28, immediately put the upcoming matchup at the center of attention.
The defensive star also knows exactly what it takes to face Patrick Mahomes.
Crosby has previously spoken about the respect he has for Mahomes and Chiefs coach Andy Reid away from football, but he’s equally clear that those relationships change once the two teams step onto the field.
The respect doesn’t disappear on game day for Crosby. He’s described playing against Mahomes as going to war, while Mahomes has previously praised Crosby as one of the toughest pass rushers he’s faced.
Mahomes has a new weapon heading into Vegas
Kansas City will arrive in Las Vegas at 3-0 as well, following a 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Mahomes enters the matchup with plenty of confidence in an offense that’s beginning to look considerably different from last season.
The biggest change has been the impact of running back Kenneth Walker III. His presence has helped Kansas City establish a stronger ground threat, creating additional opportunities for Mahomes through play-action.
Against Miami, Mahomes completed all 14 of his play-action attempts for 201 yards and a touchdown, tying Russell Wilson’s mark from 2020 for the most completions without an incompletion on play-action over the past 20 seasons, according to ESPN Research.
Mahomes also finished the game 20-of-24 for 246 yards and two touchdowns, while Walker’s effectiveness continued to influence how opposing defenses approach Kansas City.
That could make Crosby’s challenge even tougher. The Raiders defensive leader won’t simply have to deal with Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and attack downfield.
Kansas City’s improved rushing threat can force defenders to hesitate, potentially creating openings for Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ other pass catchers.
The Raiders, though, have plenty of momentum of their own. They’re unbeaten, they’re playing with confidence, and Crosby has already made it clear that the team isn’t satisfied with simply reaching 3-0.
The matchup also offers a fascinating contrast. Kansas City’s offense appears to be finding rhythm through a more balanced approach, while Crosby will look to disrupt Mahomes and prevent the quarterback from controlling the game.
Crosby’s fiery locker-room speech has set the tone. Now, the Raiders have to back it up on the field.
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