OAKLAND — That sack stats weren’t ticking up on Maxx Crosby’s stat sheet wasn’t of concern. That number isolated, head coach Jon Gruden attests, is far too perfunctory to properly assess the rookie’s instant impact on this Oakland Raiders team.
Crosby has had handful of tackles — six solo, five for loss — and two forced fumbles and a total of 2.5 sacks collected over three games (one against Chicago, one against Green Bay and a half against the Chargers).
Perhaps more telling are the three fines the NFL laid down on the fourth round pick: Two levied for unnecessary roughness and roughing the passer against Deshaun Watson and Houston Texans followed one for a late hit on Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes.