Maxx Crosby is one of the most disruptive defensive players in the NFL and has been the face of the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense for several years. He is among the highest-paid defensive players in the league and is known for his ability to both rush the passer and stop the run.
However, Crosby received some criticism from a Super Bowl champion after the Raiders suffered a devastating loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 9.
Maxx Crosby Defends Himself Against Aqib Talib
In a recent viral clip, former five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib criticized Crosby and blamed him for the Raiders’ inability to stop the Jaguars from rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a heartbreaking 30-29 overtime loss.
Crosby responded to Talib’s criticisms on the latest episode of his podcast, “The Rush Podcast.”
“You can’t get mad at somebody who’s uneducated in the situation,” Crosby said in response to Talib. “Come on bro, I don’t even have to defend myself. Go look up the numbers, go look up the tape, go watch me play a football game.”
The 28-year-old defensive end has been one of the most impactful players in the league for the past few seasons, making four straight Pro Bowls from 2021 to 2024. He has not slowed down in 2025, ranking as the No. 1 edge rusher in PFSN’s 2025 edge impact rankings with a 92.0 (A-) score.
Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with Las Vegas before the start of the 2025 season, briefly making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL by average annual value. He reset the market for defensive players, paving the way for Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons to surpass his total when they signed new contracts.
Crosby has backed up the massive extension with another stellar season. Through nine games in 2025, he has 37 tackles (23 solo, 14 assists), 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception, while leading all edge rushers in snaps.
Despite the dominance of Crosby, Las Vegas only ranks as the No. 23 defensive unit in PFSN’s 2025 defense impact rankings with a score of 70.5 (C-).
The seventh-year pro has been one of the lone bright spots on an otherwise disappointing Raiders defensive unit. Crosby’s play has spoken for itself in 2025, but after Talib’s comments about his play, he fired back at the retired cornerback in defense of his own play.
Maxx Crosby responds to Aqib Talib
New episode out today đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/ZEFmr3BvHU
— The Rush Podcast (@TheRushWithMaxx) November 11, 2025
“He could have an opinion about whatever,” Crosby added. “He don’t know what the f*** he’s talking about.”
Crosby will look to let his play continue to do the talking in a week 11 clash on the road against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. The Raiders’ defense will have its work cut out for it against one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, as it looks to get back in the win column after a rough start to the season.