The Raiders might not ever find another Khalil Mack, but thanks to Maxx Crosby it has become a little more “bearable” to watch Mack put down quarterbacks in Chicago.
Not only does Crosby (6.5) have more sacks than Mack (5.5) this year, but to this point he is having a rookie season far better than what Mack had in 2014. Not to say he’ll ever be on the same level as Mack, but the rookie numbers don’t lie. He’s already a more effective pass rusher than what Mack was as a rookie.
Crosby’s emergence as a pass rusher is also taking some of the heat away from first-round pick Clelin Ferrell, who is coming off a 2.5 sack performance in a big divisional win against the Chargers two weeks ago. The Raiders biggest need going into the draft this year was edge rushers and general manager Mike Mayock has to feel like he landed two of the best available – especially with Ferrell’s play improving over the past two weeks.
Both Crosby and Ferrell have the kind of length defensive coordinator Paul Guenther loves and as the rookie defensive linemen have improved, it’s no coincidence that Guenther’s defense has looked much better, as well.
As for the Mack trade, it’s fair to wonder where the Raiders would be right now without running back Josh Jacobs, who was drafted with one of the first-round picks that came over from Chicago. Even though Chicago finished better than the Raiders expected in 2018 (and thus dropping their draft pick), Jacobs has played like a running back worthy of a top 10 pick and has arguably been the Raiders best offensive player through 10 weeks. With Jacobs out of the game this year, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington haven’t made a lot of their carries and neither are averaging more than 3.5 yards-per-carry. Jacobs is averaging 4.8 yards-per-carry and needs only 77 more yards to eclipse 1,000 on the season.
All things considered, Mack got what was most important to him (money) and the Raiders look like they’re going to survive without him. So all is well that ends well.
In fact, if you could void the Mack trade right now, would you really want to do it?
twitter: @raidersbeat
Max Crosby is a breath of fresh air… He is showing a lot of skill, and better yet, a massive amount of determination. RAIIIIIIIDERRRRRRSSSSS
GO ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF CONDOR
Jacob’s is the man Khalil Mack is yesterday’s news.
Wouldn’t void trade! Raiders got the better end in this one. Jets O-line is weak look for another good day for Max and co.