Maxx Crosby poised to challenge Eagles’ makeshift offensive line in pivotal matchup
Philadelphia – As his seventh NFL season unfolds, Maxx Crosby has yet to taste the thrill of a Super Bowl. The dynamic edge rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders has played in just one playoff game, which unfortunately ended in defeat. This Sunday, however, presents an opportunity that feels akin to a championship clash for Crosby, as he faces off against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
“He is a phenomenal football player,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni remarked on Friday, just ahead of the highly anticipated 1 p.m. kickoff. “We’ve thought about him quite a bit this week. Our job, as coaches and players, is to make sure that we have a plan for guys like that.”
While Sirianni remains tight-lipped about the specific strategies to contain Crosby, the question of who will be tasked with blocking him looms large. Most often, Crosby aligns against the opposing right tackle, a position that is currently shrouded in uncertainty for the Eagles.
Injury Concerns for Eagles’ Offensive Line
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia’s stalwart right tackle, is likely to miss his fourth consecutive game due to a Lisfranc sprain, having not participated in practice this week. His backup, Fred Johnson, also faces an uncertain status after suffering an ankle sprain during Thursday’s session.
Sirianni, known for his discretion regarding player injuries, offered limited insight on Friday. “You saw him on the injury report, and you’ll see where he is (Friday) on the injury report,” the coach said. “We feel good about everybody that we have, which is why they’re here. You’ll see the injury report a little later.”
Should Fred Johnson be unable to suit up, it appears likely that Matt Pryor will step in for his first start of the season. While Pryor is more comfortable at guard, the Eagles find themselves with few alternatives. They opted not to activate rookie Myles Hinton within his 21-day practice window, and although they have opened the window for another rookie, Cam Williams, he has primarily played guard during training camp. Throwing him into the fray against Crosby’s immense talent would be a tall order.
A Dominant Force in Crosby
Crosby’s prowess on the field is undeniable. He boasts nine sacks this season along with two forced fumbles and has earned Pro Bowl honors four times. “You ever try to block him? You got to catch him first,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata, acknowledging Crosby’s elusive nature. “That guy is slick. Slick Willie. I mean, he’s got the accolades for a reason. That’s a hell of a player right there. He’s a great run stuffer, and in the pass-rushing game, I don’t need to say anything there. That’s where he is truly dominant. For us, it’s all about making sure that he doesn’t ruin the game.”
As the Eagles prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the pressure mounts to find a way to neutralize Crosby. The outcome could hinge on how effectively they can manage this formidable opponent, underscoring the significance of this matchup in the context of their season.
