Following their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, the Las Vegas Raiders have now lost five straight games. Following the 41-24 loss, the Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and two other offensive coaches, dropping the team to 2-7 on the season. Even outstanding defensive end Maxx Crosby was not immune to the consequences of the Raiders’ Week 9 nightmare. But Crosby had to wait until Saturday to learn the dreadful news.
The NFL fined Crosby $11,255 for unnecessary roughness during last Sunday’s game against the Bengals, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on X. Crosby committed the violation by hitting Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow after the whistle had been blown.
While the play was halted before Crosby reached Burrow, and it’s evident there was some helmet-to-helmet contact on the hit, the Raiders’ Pro Bowl pass rusher appears to relax after the initial collision, avoiding falling on Burrow when the quarterback goes down. According to the broadcast, Burrow and Crosby even exchanged handshakes following the play.
Perhaps Crosby’s post-foul activities were viewed as mitigating factors. That would explain why the league was lenient on the sixth-year veteran compared to other players penalized for hits this season.
The NFL is striving to reduce unnecessary roughness, especially on plays where contact is initiated with the helmet. Each Saturday, the league issues fines for illegal hits, often on plays that did not result in a penalty during the game.
Raiders’ DE Maxx Crosby received a fine for unnecessary roughness.
A record number of offensive players have been fined for helmet-to-helmet collisions. Running backs Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Zach Charbonnet have all received fines for unwarranted roughness. However, the three running backs were each fined $45,020, while Crosby only owes $11,255. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was fined the same amount for throwing a ball at an opponent’s head following a play.
The Raiders have struggled terribly this season. Head coach Antonio Pierce benched starting quarterback Gardner Minshew again, this time in favour of Desmond Ridder. This offseason, Las Vegas will likely hunt for a new coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback for 2025.
Unfortunately, Mark Davis may not be up to the challenge, as one insider chastised the Raiders’ owner for making foolish choices. Davis has made at least one positive decision for the franchise this season, refusing to trade Crosby before the deadline.
The three-time Pro Bowler also addressed trade rumours that swirled around him prior to the November 5 deadline, stating that he wanted to stay with the Raiders. But Davis’ frank remark made it apparent that Crosby would remain with the organization.
The Raiders will use their Week 10 bye to choose who will be the team’s starting quarterback going forward. In Week 11, Las Vegas will face the Dolphins (2-6) in Miami.
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