Richie Incognito Clashes with Aqib Talib in Intense Maxx Crosby Discussion
The Las Vegas Raiders have faced challenges in establishing a strong defensive lineup for over twenty years. While there have been brief periods of solid performance, consistency has eluded the team. Defensive end Maxx Crosby stands out as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, yet he has struggled to single-handedly uplift the Raiders’ defense.
Intense Discussion on Maxx Crosby’s Performance
Recently, a heated debate unfolded between former NFL players Aqib Talib and Richie Incognito regarding Crosby’s effectiveness in stopping the run. This discussion sparked criticism of Crosby’s performance, particularly in light of the Raiders’ recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Aqib Talib’s Critique
- Talib highlighted the Jaguars’ impressive 150 rushing yards in the game.
- He questioned Crosby’s ability to prevent these plays, dismissing his statistics in the process.
During a segment on “The Arena: Gridiron,” Talib stated, “What the (expletive) did Crosby do? Why we pay Crosby if he can’t stop the run?” His remarks emphasized doubts about Crosby’s contributions to the team.
Richie Incognito’s Defense of Crosby
In response, Incognito reviewed Crosby’s performance against the Jaguars, where he recorded significant statistics:
- Three solo tackles
- One assisted tackle
- Four total tackles
- One sack
- Three tackles for loss
Incognito asserted that Crosby consistently delivers strong performances, even when the team’s overall efforts falter. He compared Crosby to other top linebackers in the league, arguing that Crosby continues to make impactful plays regardless of his team’s performance.
Crosby’s Defensive Rankings
Crosby’s impact on the field cannot be overlooked. With a remarkable 38% run stop win rate, he leads the NFL this season. Additionally, he ranks third in the league with 13 tackles for loss. Although his sack numbers sit at 5.0, they do not accurately reflect his capabilities as a run defender.
Recognition from Opponents
While Talib may not hold Crosby in high regard, the Denver Broncos’ offensive coordinator, Joe Lombardi, praised him leading up to their Week 10 encounter. Lombardi described Crosby as a “phenom” and highlighted his relentless energy and disruptive nature on the field. He stated, “You can’t help but just get distracted by him every play… It’s a problem.”
Crosby’s performance continues to draw attention, indicating his crucial role in the Raiders’ defense and affirming his place among the elite defenders in the NFL.
