Sunday's matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants brings massive 2026 NFL Draft implications. In the matchup between the 2-13 clubs, the loser owns the path to the No. 1 overall slot and control of the draft.
Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby spoke honestly about the player's perspective entering the showdown.
"Yeah, I don’t give a sh-- about the pick, to be honest," he said Tuesday. "I don't play for that. That's not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. That's what I focus on every day. Being a great leader, being an influence. Being that guy on a consistent basis for my team."
Amen. Hallelujah, amen.
Fans can root for a loss if it's in best interests of the long-term success of the franchise. The time, money and emotional support spent on a favorite team grants fanatics that leniency, if they so choose. The front office and coaching staff can have their preferences.
But the players? The players whose careers could end on a single snap? Players who put their bodies through rigors few can fathom? Players who spend every waking moment searching for an edge that can lead to victory? They play to win.
Crosby understands well the dichotomy.
"That's their job. That's the front office, the coaches, they do that," he continued. "That's got nothing to do with me. I've learned my lesson in the past. You can't control everything. That's not my job description. My job is to be the best in the world at what I do. And that's wrecking the game."
The five-time Pro Bowler is right not to worry about the draft. Even securing the No. 1 slot guarantees nothing for the future. The only time in the common draft era that the Raiders held the No. 1 pick, they selected JaMarcus Russell, one of the biggest busts in history.
Sunday marks the third game in NFL history between two teams 11-plus games under .500. Others: 2-13 Buccaneers defeated 1-14 Colts in Week 17, 1991; 1-14 Colts defeated 2-13 Patriots in Week 16, 1981.
