TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Bucs offensive line has done a solid job in protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield this season, but they’re going to have their hands full this weekend when they face off against the Raiders.
Las Vegas features one of the top pass rushers in the NFL in Maxx Crosby. The two-time All Pro defensive end is top 10 in the league in quarterback pressures and tackles for loss. Neutralizing Crosby will be a top priority for the Bucs offense.
“He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t stop ever,” said Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen. “Our goal this week is, how do we play longer and harder than him? Because he’s going to go every single play through the echo of the whistle. He’s got a ton of respect. I’ve got a ton of respect for him as a player. Baker [Mayfield] had him in 2022 in the first game he ever played [with the Rams] in that game [and] he led a two-minute drive to go win it. We’ve got to have a plan for him in both the run and the pass.”
Luke Goedeke will be the one tasked with containing Crosby. The Bucs starting right tackle knows it’ll be a tough test, but says he’s ready for the challenge.
“He has an endless motor,” said Goedeke. “He’s an energizer bunny; he’s always chasing the ball even if it’s 30 yards away. Always trying to get hands on the quarterbacks no matter what. The league is full of elite pass rushers, we see them every week, but like you said he’s one of the best and that’s fun for me to go up against one of the best.”
If the Bucs can pull out a victory on Sunday it will mark their first three-game win streak of the season, and more importantly, it’ll be the first time they’re above .500 for the first time since late October, which is huge as they continue to make a push towards the playoffs.