In a recent episode of “The Rush With Maxx Crosby,” legendary Raiders defensive lineman Howie Long shared some sage advice with the current star pass rusher, Maxx Crosby. The conversation centered around the intense workload Crosby has been shouldering and the potential long-term impact on his career.
Long, known for his durability and relentless play during his Hall of Fame career, urged Crosby to consider the benefits of rotation to preserve his health and effectiveness on the field.
Howie Long’s advice comes at a critical time for Crosby, who has become the cornerstone of the Raiders' defense. Last season, Crosby played an astonishing 1081 snaps, the highest among defensive ends in the league.
In contrast, the next closest defensive end on the Raiders, Malcolm Koonce, played 500 snaps. This heavy workload has prompted concerns about overuse and the potential for injury, which Long addressed directly during the podcast.
During the discussion, Long emphasized his respect for Crosby’s work ethic and his understanding of the demands of the position. He shared his own experiences from an era when rotating out of the game was not common practice. Long stated:
“Listen, I’m not going to tell you what to do, because I played the same number of snaps. You know I didn’t rotate, there was no rotating then. Now they rotate and that can be a good thing you know, it’s like you could pick a spot here or there to take a blow and you know inevitably if I hit you with a hammer enough, you’re going to blink.
“When you’re at the kind of snaps you are, I think you were the number one defensive lineman in snaps played percentage-wise, I’d like to see you rotate a little bit more, just as an alumni, an older brother, you know someone who wants to see you do great.”
Long’s advice highlights the importance of longevity and the strategic use of rest to maintain peak performance throughout a player's career.
By advocating for a more measured approach, Long is not questioning Crosby’s toughness or dedication but rather encouraging him to adopt practices that could extend his career and enhance his effectiveness.
Maxx Crosby’s Staggering Workload
Crosby’s dedication to his craft is undeniable. Since entering the league in 2019, he has been a stalwart on the Raiders' defensive line, starting 77 out of 83 games and never missing a game due to injury. His relentless play has earned him respect across the league and a burgeoning reputation as one of the top pass rushers.
Currently, Crosby sits fifth on the Raiders' all-time sack list with 52 sacks. With a strong upcoming season, he is poised to surpass Anthony Smith, who has 57.5 sacks, and move into third place, just behind Long, who accumulated 84 sacks during his illustrious career. Greg Townsend holds the top spot with 107.5 sacks.
The physical toll of playing such a high number of snaps cannot be underestimated. Defensive ends like Crosby face constant physical battles with offensive linemen, and the wear and tear can accumulate quickly.
Long’s cautionary advice is rooted in a deep understanding of these demands and the realities of maintaining a high level of performance over many seasons.
In today’s NFL, the practice of rotating defensive linemen has become more prevalent as teams look to keep their players fresh and reduce the risk of injury. By managing snap counts, players can maintain their explosiveness and impact throughout the game and the season.
For Crosby, embracing this approach could mean taking strategic rests during games, allowing him to unleash his full potential when he is on the field.
Maxx Crosby’s commitment to his team and his craft has made him a fan favorite and a leader on the Raiders' defense. His relentless motor and tenacity have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history. As he continues to climb the Raiders' all-time sack list, his legacy as one of the franchise’s greats is becoming more secure.
However, for Crosby to maximize his impact and extend his career, adopting Long’s advice could be crucial. Balancing his intense drive with strategic rest could ensure that he remains a dominant force on the field for many more years. The mentorship and guidance from a legend like Howie Long provide invaluable insights that can help shape Crosby’s approach to the game.
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