The Raiders are currently on a four-game losing streak, but defensive star Maxx Crosby isn’t letting that bring him down.
On Wednesday, Crosby expressed to reporters that he’s ignoring the critics, insisting that the team’s focus remains on reaching the playoffs.
“If you want to be negative and not believe, then stay over there. Stay on that side, because I know when it does turn and when you do win, all those tough people disappear, and then they come back when it’s convenient,” Crosby remarked. “That’s how the world is, unfortunately.”
Despite the rough patch, the 2026 season has seen its ups and downs for Las Vegas.
The Raiders kicked off the season with a surprising 3-0 start, marking their best beginning since 2021, which coincidentally was the last time they made the playoffs.
However, things took a turn as they’ve faced four consecutive losses since Week 4.
Initially, they appeared to be shedding their past reputation. Under new head coach Klint Kubiak, the team energized many fans.
Las Vegas has often found itself in the middle of the pack across various offensive and defensive metrics. Aside from a heavy 45-17 defeat to the Patriots in Week 5, they’ve remained competitive in most games.
In fact, two of their defeats were by just three points, against the Chiefs and the Bills, both of whom are usual playoff contenders.
In last week’s 35-21 setback against the Rams, the Raiders were down 28-6 by halftime. They rallied in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and narrowing the deficit to just 10 points at one stage.
Now, after navigating through one of the tougher patches of their schedule, the Raiders have a chance to secure a win this Sunday on the road against the Jets.
With the NFL trade deadline just two weeks away, Kubiak mentioned on Wednesday that the team is weighing its options carefully, deciding if they’ll be in the market to buy or sell players.
“I love being doubted. S—t, I’ve been doubted my whole life. Keep it coming, I appreciate that. You’re just making a bigger monster,” Crosby noted. “I know this locker room feels the same way. We’re all extremely motivated, and I know guys are ready to go out there and shut everybody up.”
