Silver Minings: Maxx Crosby is putting together silly numbers

NFL quarterbacks are getting a break in Week 8.

The Las Vegas Raiders are on their bye week, so Maxx Crosby will rest and that’s a good thing for the opposing quarterback. Crosby, quite simply, has been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks in 2021.

We’ve all seen it, but looking at the raw statistics is stunning. Check numbers these out:

The 2019 fourth-round pick is dominating. Crosby has five sacks, but it seems like he’s always close to bring down the quarterback. He is a big reason why the Raiders’ defense is improved and why the Raiders are 5-2 at their bye.

Crosby is a legitimate contender for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Expect him to come right back after the quarterback when the Raiders return Nov. 7 at the New York Giants.

In other Raiders’ links:

• Play-call differences: Here are some stats from the way the Raiders have approached offense in the two games that Greg Olson has called plays.
• Playoff chances climb: According to the Football Outsiders, the Raiders’ chances of making the playoffs increased by about 10 percent after Week 7.
• Power rankings: Check out where Pro Football Talk has the Raiders’ ranked in its Week 8 NFL power rankings.
• Pivotal moment: New Raiders’ running back told The Athletic about a team meeting in August that changed things for him.