Kwity Paye and Maxx Crosby delivered a clean defensive stop in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, combining to sack Malik Willis on third down for an 8-yard loss.
A timely stop on third down
In a play-by-play roundup from the opening week of the 2025 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders defenders made their presence felt with a pressure that quickly ended the possession. The sack came on third down and pushed Malik Willis back eight yards, turning the play into a direct loss for the offense.
It was the kind of moment that can shape a drive without needing any extra drama. Third-down pressure matters because it forces an offense into difficult field position, and in this case Kwity Paye and Maxx Crosby combined to make sure the stop counted.
Why the play stands out
For defenders, the value of a sack is not only in the individual stat line. It is also in the timing. An 8-yard loss on third down is enough to disrupt rhythm, force a reset, and put the offense under immediate pressure the next time it has the ball.
That is exactly what happened here. Kwity Paye was part of a decisive finish to the rush, and the result was a straightforward but important defensive win for the Raiders in Week 1.
