A different football player
Maxx Crosby is going into his 100th career game this Sunday following one of his best performances to date against the Chicago Bears.
He recorded his first career interception as well as three pass deflections, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Now standing at seven tackles for loss this season, he needs three more to join Pro Football Hall of Famer Jared Allen and Aaron Donald as the only players since 2000 with at least 10 tackles for loss in each of their first seven NFL seasons.
While quarterback sack totals hold a lot of value for edge rushers, Crosby's commitment to stopping the run shines just as bright. Per Next Gen Stats, he leads the team in run stops (10) as the Raiders prepare to face the league leader in rushing yards, Jonathan Taylor.
"Maxx is playing really good in the run game," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "He's playing with good extension, gap sound, takes his shots when it's time to take a shot."
"He's studying all the time," Graham added about Crosby. "Again, everybody talks about his effort, got it. Talking about skill development from year to year, how he's improved, how he studies the game, I mean, he's different. ... He is a different human being. He's a different football player."
Play of veteran running back "doesn't surprise anybody" on Raiders
Ashton Jeanty was the star of the Raiders offense last Sunday, but he wasn't the only running back who popped off.
After being inactive the first three weeks of the season, Raheem Mostert delivered in his Silver and Black debut for 62 yards on four carries. Three of his four carries were explosive runs over 10 yards as he and the Raiders' rookie running back combined for 200 rushing yards.
Mostert, who led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2023, is expected to continue being a "one-two punch" with Jeanty, according to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
"[H]e's seen a lot of things and done a lot of things," Kelly said. "So, I think he's got a really good understanding of the scheme, he's got a really good understanding of how to run the football in the National Football League. And didn't surprise us, the guys that have been around him, and doesn't surprise anybody that's seen him in the league, what he can do when he has the ball in his hands."
A stepping stone for the O-line
With Kolton Miller placed on the injured/reserve list, swing tackle Stone Forsythe will draw the start at left tackle against the Colts.
Forsythe, who's appeared in an handful of snaps for the Raiders this season, comes with years of experience under Pete Carroll with the Seattle Seahawks. Between 2021-2024, Forsythe played in 53 games with 14 starts. Not only does that give him familiarity with the Raiders head coach, but with blocking for Geno Smith as well.
"We were with him right from the beginning, and loved the kid and the work ethic, the smarts, his mentality is just right," Carroll said. "He started probably 14, 15 games or something and started on the left side four or five times as well. So, we're confident that he can do the job. That's why we went after him. And this is, unfortunately, the scenario that we arise puts him in play time, so he's ready to go and excited about it and look forward to it."
Tight end depth put to test
Brock Bowers has been ruled questionable for Sunday after missing Thursday and Friday's practices with a lingering knee injury. However Carroll is confident that the tight end will be good to go on gameday.
Since suffering the injury in Week 1 against the Patriots, the All-Pro receiver has totaled 122 receiving yards on 14 catches.
"Just trying to get the knee feeling right and everything feeling right, and hopefully go out there and feel good Sunday. That's the plan," Bowers said Friday.
Michael Mayer is also questionable as he's still in concussion protocol. He was a limited participant in practice throughout the week.
Along with Ian Thomas, rookie UDFA Carter Runyon could make an impact in Week 5 after signing to the active roster from the practice squad. Runyon was named AP All-American Second Team in his two seasons playing at Towson.
A look at the Colts defense
The Indianapolis Colts are a bit banged up with starting cornerback Kenny Moore II ruled out. The Pro Bowl cornerback has a quarterback sack and interception returned for a touchdown this season.
Additionally, safety Daniel Scott has been ruled out with defensive end Tyquan Lewis being ruled questionable. Nevertheless, they'll still have enough firepower on the field to combat a Raiders offense that's turned the ball over seven times in their last three games.
"When you look up front with DeForest Buckner and Grover [Stewart], I think they're two of the better interior guys that we're going to see all year," Geno Smith said. "With [Laiatu] Latu and Kwity Paye, two first-round draft picks, guys who are developing like we all are, and I mean they show a lot of explosion on tape. So things we got to account for, Zaire Franklin, middle linebacker, 150 tackles a year. He does this thing every single year. And then we know about Camryn Bynum in the back end. ... All those guys are capable and can make plays."
"It's about how we execute, though," he added. "We're going to see good teams every single week, and we're a good team. So, we've got to go out there and prove it. We've got to go out there and execute, prove ourselves. And I feel really good about it."
Currently, the Colts are tied for ninth in the league in fewest rushing yards allowed (384) and sixth in the league in most interceptions (four).
No love lost
The Raiders and Colts franchises are tied 10-10 all-time in regular season matchups.
The Silver and Black have been on the losing end of their last two contests against the Colts. Their 23-20 loss on New Year's Eve in 2023 eliminated them from playoff contention that season.
Notably, in Pete Carroll's time with the Seattle Seahawks, he went 2-1 against the Colts with a 102-68 point differential in those three games.
View photos of past matchups between the Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts as the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 5 matchup.
Raiders running back Roger Hagberg (3) rushes during the preseason home game against the Baltimore Colts at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, August 9, 1969, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Drew Buie makes a tackle during the AFC Championship postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Sunday, January 3, 1971, in Baltimore, Md.
Raiders linebacker Greg Slough (58) during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Colts at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 28, 1971.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) makes a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 1977. The Raiders won 37-31.
Raiders linebacker Monte Johnson (58) and defensive back Jack Tatum (32) make a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 1977.
Raiders Head Coach John Madden and running back Mark van Eeghen (30) celebrate following the AFC Divisional Round postseason away game against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 1977.
Raiders defensive end Greg Townsend pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Eddie Anderson (33) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Eddie Anderson (33) and linebacker Winston Moss (99) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders tight end Doug Jolley (88) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders running back Amos Zereoue (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome, Sunday, October 10, 2004, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Josh McCown (12) passes to wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker/defensive end Chris Clemons (58) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha (21) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Chris Johnson (37) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) and linebacker Marquel Lee (55) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders fullback Keith Smith (41) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) returns an interception for a 30-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) blocks as running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a catch and takes it 47-yard for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes fir a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 2022, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 2022, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 2022, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) goes to make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) dives into the end zone on a 48-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Indianapolis, Ind.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Indianapolis, Ind.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams attempts to block a field goal during the regular season away game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Indianapolis, Ind.
