Amid a challenging season, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves struggling with a 2-7 record and limited success on the field.
Nine games in, their hopes of a playoff berth appear dim, compounded by recent staffing changes and an unsettled quarterback lineup. With little to play for other than pride, the team could focus on securing a top NFL draft pick by finishing low in the standings. However, not everyone in the Raiders’ camp is ready to give in to the idea of tanking.
In a recent appearance on the podcast “Let’s Go,” star defensive end Maxx Crosby spoke candidly about his motivation for the rest of the season.
“The reality is we are what our record is, and it’s 2-7, which is not good,” Crosby admitted. “So I look at it as being the Joker. If we’re not going to be the king of the castle right now, might as well go and ruin everyone’s season. And I love that. I love being the villain.”
Crosby’s sentiment sets the stage for a potential role as a spoiler for playoff hopefuls. The Raiders still have several opportunities to disrupt other teams’ playoff paths, especially within their division.
Upcoming matchups with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offer a chance for the Raiders to play a pivotal role in shaping the playoff landscape. This week, they’ll face off against the Miami Dolphins, a team also fighting to keep its playoff dreams alive.
While Crosby’s enthusiasm to “ruin everyone’s season” may energize some fans, others are divided over whether the Raiders would benefit more from losses that could improve their draft position.
