Of course, nobody can predict exactly how things will turn out for the Raiders going forward as they attempt to end the season on a high note and, against all odds, make the AFC playoffs despite a 5-7 record and a challenging schedule. Maxx Crosby, a top defensive lineman for the Raiders, expressed his hope that the team can have a successful last month to convince owner Mark Davis that interim general manager Champ Kelly and interim coach Antonio Pierce should be retained for the long run.
During his appearance on the NFL Network, Crosby stated on NFL Media’s The Insiders program that he has communicated his feelings to Davis over the matter.
“I have approached it with great candor and transparency. I adore those two men. Champ and AP have been good friends of mine since they moved here. Prior to them being hired now. In my selfish opinion, I hope they stay as general manager and head coach. I’ve been completely sincere with them. The same thing, I told Mark Davis,” Crosby remarked.
Maxx Crosby Took Concerns About McDaniels to Mark Davis
Maxx Crosby has had an unusual season, but since he has played for the Raiders for his whole five-year NFL career, maybe he is used to things being a little strange. With 11.5 sacks this season, he is among the league leaders in both total and tackles for loss (15). Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 91.8, enough for fourth place among all edge rushers in the league.
However, Crosby was one of the team’s veterans that voiced their dissatisfaction to Mark Davis about the team’s performance at the beginning of the season under head coach Josh McDaniels.
On October 31, McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were let go, and Pierce and Kelly took over in an interim capacity. Even though they have performed noticeably better, the Raiders have only gone 2-2 since then. They also changed quarterbacks during the coaching transition, moving from veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to rookie Aidan O’Connell.
Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce Popular Among Players
Along with Maxx Crosby, experienced wide receiver Davante Adams also approached Mark Davis over the coaching change. Both of them also hope that Davis keeps considering the players’ perspectives when the Raiders decide on their leadership group in the long run.
Many believed Davis erred in not considering the thoughts of high school players like Maxx Crosby when McDaniels was named as the head coach following the Raiders’ 2021 playoff run under interim coach Rich Bisaccia. Crosby stated that after playing for four different head coaches throughout his tenure with the Raiders, he just wants some consistency now.
“I view it as additional motivation to support this team in their current endeavors so they can maintain their current standing over the long haul,” Crosby remarked. “In my five years, I’ve had a lot of head coaches and changes, so all I want is consistency and integrity. Champ and AP, in my opinion, embody everything that implies and is associated with that. I think those individuals are doing a fantastic job, and they are really plain and honest.
They obviously didn’t have time to get ready, but they entered without blinking. The lads are all on board. These past four games, you’ve seen these guys. You can see the progress, and we’re eager to get this done.
