Nik Bonitto Drops True Feelings on Raiders’ Maxx Crosby

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(Photo by Tyler Schank/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders matchup in Week 14 saw two outstanding pass rushers go toe-to-toe in Nik Bonitto and Maxx Crosby. Moreover, both made their presence known in this game.

Bonitto recorded two sacks in the Broncos’ 24-17 win over the Raiders on December 7 at Allegiant Stadium. Meanwhile, Crosby recorded one sack as he did his best to make Bo Nix uncomfortable.

After the contest, Bonitto spoke with reporters and shared his honest thoughts on trying to match up against Crosby even though the two players aren’t on the field at the same time.

“Just how relentless he is as a rusher,” Bonitto said about what he admires most about Crosby (h/t Nick Walters of Vegas Sports Today). “I always respect that about him. I feel like he’s giving 100% on every play, and he plays nearly all the snaps, too. That’s really impressive. It shows why he’s one of the best in the league.”

Maxx Crosby Talks Raiders Losses Piling Up

Bonitto and his teammates came out victorious, as the Broncos’ defense made life difficult for the Raiders’ offense. The Denver defense allowed only seven points in the first quarter and pitched back-to-back shutout quarters until the Silver and Black offense scored 10 points in the fourth quarter. However, it was too little too late.

After the contest, Crosby also spoke to the media, but his remarks were coming off another loss. Reporters asked the Raiders standout whether he’s seeing the team’s effort dwindle, given they have lost 11 of their last 12 games.

“You just have to keep playing,” Crosby told reporters postgame when asked about whether their recurring losses are impacting the effort (h/t Nick Walters of Vegas Sports Today). “You get 17 opportunities, work all year for 17 guaranteed games… I don’t think the energy is our problem — You know what I mean? There are a lot of things that need to improve across the board, simple as that.”

Raiders Will Still Lean on Geno Smith If Healthy

The 10 points in the fourth quarter came after backup quarterback Kenny Pickett came into the contest after starter Geno Smith suffered an injury in the second half.

Despite Pickett giving the offense a bit of a spark and Smith working through an injury, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was asked who would start in Week 15. The answer didn’t do much to reassure the former first-round pick that he’ll get the start before the matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Let me just wait and see what happens,” Carroll told reporters postgame. “I’m going to do what I think is the right thing to do. If Geno can play, that’s my thought. But I know Kenny can play. Our players understood it, too. Kenny did a good job. They recognize that he might pull the game.

“I’m hoping for Geno to get back out there and see how he does, but we’re not going to play if he’s not right. Kenny will be ready to go, and Aidan [O’Connell] will be ready to go as well. That’s just the way we deal with it.”

Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo