Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is blocking out the noise. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby: Raiders looking forward, not backward

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/20/22

With the start of NFL training camps arriving, many teams are looking to turn the page to the new season so they can forget last season's woes. And boy, are the Las Vegas Raiders one of those teams. Of course, turning that page also comes with the heightened expectations of adding superstar Davante Adams to the offense and the team as a whole overcoming the massive turmoil and setbacks that nearly upended a season that started off so strong in 2021.

When asked about the external view of the Silver and Black, defensive end Maxx Crosby took a very measured approach.

#Raiders DE Maxx Crosby on the external expectations being placed on this team

The thing I've learned is never get too high or too low...last year was last year and this year is this year
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) July 20, 2022

Crosby, admired even by those outside of Raider Nation for his immense work ethic, didn't get too high when discussing the team's expectations for next season, either.

#Raiders DE Maxx Crosby

Preseason hype is preseason hype...for us we gotta show up and do the ground work...or we're not gonna get to where we want to be
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) July 20, 2022

It's understandable that Crosby doesn't want to get too ahead of himself given how things went down for Vegas last season. Following an impressive 3-0 start to their year, the Raiders dealt with the controversial resignation of head coach Jon Gruden and then the fatal car crash and felony arrest involving wide receiver Henry Ruggs III. While Vegas was able to play through injuries to key players on top of that and rally late in the season to punch its ticket to the wild-card round — where the Raiders lost to the Super Bowl-bound Cincinnati Bengals — the obstacles of the season clearly took their toll.

For Crosby, it's about helping set the standard for his teammates. That means maintaining focus and commitment on what the team will do this upcoming season.

#Raiders OLB Maxx Crosby all about putting in “MAXIMUM EFFORT” in everything he does. The “commitment to excellence” is always in full-swing when it comes to Maxx.

Hustle, intensity, and “doing your job” #BEASTwriter #DarksideofBEASTwriter #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/mx5f8ihkbP
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) July 20, 2022

The Raiders' veteran players, including Crosby, are expected to join the rookies in training camp between July 23 and July 26.

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