LAS VEGAS, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders' defense has led the way this season, as Maxx Crosby and company have generally held up their end on gamedays this season. Las Vegas has generated at least a serviceable defense in the majority of their games this season.
The Raiders defense is arguably better than most of their statistical rankings, as their performance has been unusually impacted by an incompetent offensive line and offense. Still, Las Vegas' defense has room to improve over the second half of the season. Time will tell if that happens.
On Thursday, Crosby addressed the Raiders' upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Las Vegas' defense is a much better unit than what they showed against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. Sunday afternoon is their next chance to prove that.
Based on how the rest of the season has gone, it would be fair to expect the unit to bounce back. However, Las Vegas' defense will face a quarterback that has never started a game. This leaves the Raiders' defense going into Sunday's game against the Browns not fully knowing what to expect.
Raider
Oct 12, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts after a play during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
"Young guys are a little unpredictable at times. He has had a lot of success at the college level and he is getting his first start. So, it is going to be a fun battle," Crosby said when asked about Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
"I watched a lot of [Colorado University Football]. I know his family really well, they are great people. I am always rooting for him. It is cool, I am happy for him, that he is getting his first start."
The Raiderswere heavily mentioned as a possiblity to draft Sanders with their first pick in the most recent NFL Draft. Sanders and the Raiders were often connected until the draft rolled around and the Raiders filled a more pressing need at running back by drafting Ashton Jeanty.
At one point, Sanders and the Raiders seemed like a slam dunk until Sanders' reported approach to his pro day, the NFL Combine and more impacted his draft stock.
Las Vegas Raiders superstar DE Maxx Crosby
Las Vegas Raiders superstar DE Maxx Crosby / Darrell Craig Harris, On SI
Las Vegas' defensive performance against Sanders could play a significant role in several offseason moves, as a poor defensive performance against a player the Raiders passed on in the draft would surely have to rub some within the Raiders' brass the wrong way.
Sunday will go down as a pivotal day in the Raiders' 2025 season, one way or the other. The Raiders' defense must deliver.
Raider
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) waits for his opportunity as head coach Kevin Stefanski watches Dillon Gabriel lead the offense during the first half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Silver and Black when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information. SIGN UP HERE NOW.
We'd appreciate it if you would follow us on X @HondoCarpenter, @EZTrez_SI ,and IG @HondoSr , and we also invite you to visit our Facebook page, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE