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Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders’ pass rush must get to Drake Maye in Week 5 key matchups vs. New England Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders face a pivotal Week 5 clash with the New England Patriots, where playoff positioning hangs in the balance. The Raiders, currently sixth in the AFC with a 3-1 record, must bounce back from their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Patriots (2-2) hold the seventh seed after defeating the Buffalo Bills.

For the Raiders, stopping Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will be critical—his play has declined this season, with a completion percentage of 62.4% and seven interceptions, up from his MVP-caliber 2025 campaign. Maye has struggled under pressure, particularly in recent weeks, with a sharp drop in accuracy and decision-making when facing defensive heat.

Las Vegas’ pass rush, led by edge rusher Maxx Crosby, will need to dominate to disrupt Maye’s rhythm. Crosby is on pace for a career-high 106 pressures and ranks ninth in pass-rush win rate (19.8%), while teammate Malcolm Koonce has quietly emerged as the 11th-most effective edge rusher in the league.

The Raiders’ defensive scheme, which prioritizes creative pressure with just four rushers, has kept Maye off-balance, and their ability to sustain that edge could decide the game.

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