What are your thoughts about the Raiders going into this week?
The Raiders are in a bit of a transition this year as they’re looking for their quarterback of the future in the upcoming draft, and they’ve been using some stop-gap solutions this season. Even with that situation, they’re still a dangerous team. Coach Codes is one of the best in the PML, and he knows how to get the most out of his roster, regardless of the circumstances. We know they’re going to compete hard, and they’re still right in the mix for an AFC playoff spot.
Their roster might not be as stable right now as they figure out their quarterback situation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t put together a strong performance. They’ve got players who can step up, and Coach Codes always has a well-prepared team. Even with the quarterback uncertainty, they’ve shown they can be competitive in big games, and we expect nothing less this week.
We’ve been focusing on staying sharp and preparing for a tough matchup because we know they’ll come in ready to fight for their playoff hopes. We need to be locked in, play smart football, and execute in all three phases to come away with a win. This is a game where we can’t afford to underestimate our opponent, and we won’t.
Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Maxx Crosby?
Preparing to go up against a player like Maxx Crosby is always a challenge. He’s one of the premier pass rushers in the PML, and his combination of relentless effort, athleticism, and technique makes him a real problem for any offensive line. What makes him so dangerous is his motor—he never takes a play off. You can see it on film every week. Even when it looks like the play is out of his reach, he’s still flying around, making a difference. That kind of energy and effort is hard to prepare for because you have to account for him on every single snap.
Crosby is not just about effort, though—he's technically sound. He’s got a great mix of power and speed, and his ability to win with a variety of pass rush moves makes it difficult for any tackle to predict what he’s going to do. Whether it's bull-rushing, using his quickness to get around the edge, or countering inside, he’s always looking to disrupt. We have to be on top of our game in terms of protection. It’s going to be a big test for our offensive line.
We’ll have to get creative in how we deal with him. That could mean sliding protections his way, using tight ends or backs to chip, or simply making sure the ball comes out quick to avoid giving him too much time to get after the quarterback. But even with all that, you know he's going to get his chances, so it's about minimizing those opportunities and making sure we don’t let him take over the game. He’s a game-wrecker, and we have to be smart in how we approach him.
RB Rachaad White is so impressive, how hard he runs is so apparent. What else about his skill set makes him special?
Rachaad White is a special player, and his hard-running style is something that really stands out. You can see the physicality in the way he attacks each run, but what makes him truly unique goes beyond just how hard he runs. He’s got an incredible combination of vision and patience, allowing him to find the right crease in the defense and make the most out of every opportunity. His ability to anticipate where the blocking will develop and his burst through the hole make him a game-changer when he’s on the field.
What also sets Rachaad apart is his versatility. He’s not just a downhill runner—he can impact the game in the passing attack as well. His hands are reliable, and his ability to catch out of the backfield adds another dimension to our offense. He’s a guy that defenses have to account for at all times because he’s just as dangerous in open space as he is running between the tackles. His football IQ and ability to read defenses make him a big-time weapon for us.
We definitely miss having him on the field. His suspension by the PML for over-usage has been tough for us, but we’re eager to get him back as soon as possible. He brings a level of toughness and playmaking ability that’s hard to replace. We know he’s itching to return, and we can’t wait to have him back in the lineup to help us down the stretch.
