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The New England Patriots will have their hands full in Week 1 with Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby leading the charge. Rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell could face a tough test if he ends up lining up against Crosby.
Crosby will constantly threaten the New England offensive front, and keeping Drake Maye upright will be a top priority for the team. Moreover, the Patriots’ young signal caller also has his way of ensuring that he isn’t taking hits from Crosby.
For the Patriots to keep Las Vegas’ disruptive edge rusher in check, Maye understands he’ll need sharp decision-making, with quick releases a top focus.
“No doubt, I think it starts with me getting the ball out on time,” Maye said after practice on September 3 (h/t Boston Herald ). “Not holding it. Knowing don’t bypass the first guy I see open trying to hunt a deeper one.
“The running backs can help in the protection. I think little things like that, and I think scheme. I think me just getting us in the right plays and knowing when he’s 1-on-1 and knowing when we have help to him. And from there, just follow our keys.”
Drake Maye Has Inside Information on Maxx Crosby
Former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. As a result, there’s no doubt that McDaniels is giving inside tips to Maye on how to ensure Crosby doesn’t wreck their offense in Week 1. During McDaniels’ two seasons with the Raiders, Crosby tallied 12.5 and 14.5 sacks.
After ranking 29th in sacks allowed per pass attempt last season, the New England offensive line will need to give Maye much better protection. The Patriots enter the 2025 season with four new starters up front, highlighted by Campbell and third-round guard Jared Wilson.
It will be interesting to see if having any inside tips on Crosby benefits the Patriots’ offense. However, if the offensive line struggles like they did last season, it could be a long afternoon for Maye.
Mike Vrabel Talks Containing Raiders Star
McDaniels isn’t alone in figuring out how to contain the Raiders’ standout pass rusher. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told WEEI on September 2 that keeping Maxx Crosby under control will require a team-wide effort, noting that the Raiders’ star can line up anywhere on the field.
“It’s going to be with all of them,” Vrabel said. “And then Maxx can line up wherever he wants, or they can put him wherever they want. So I think it has to be for everybody blocking them. He has a certain play style. I think if you drop your head, he’s going to jump around. And if you’re over-aggressive, he’s going to try to make you miss.
“I think just a certain play style of just making sure we’re not overextended to where—again, he has a very unique play style where he’ll jab and jump around, and he uses his length and athleticism as opposed to, let’s say, maybe more of a power player. Not that he can’t do that, but again, he makes his money with instinctiveness and jumping under. If you overreach him, he’s coming under and he’s getting in the backfield.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
