Maxx Crosby explains Raiders’ strategy to play with ‘ill intent & play violent’ to shut down Patrick Mahomes

After a demanding season and the departure of their former head coach, Josh McDaniels, the Las Vegas Raiders are steadfast in their mission to revive the glory of their football legacy. For seasoned player Maxx Crosby, the impending season holds special significance, as his fervent desire to see Antonio Pierce assume the role of interim head coach has materialized.

With the dynamic duo of head coach and defensive lineman embarking on a fresh journey, Crosby recently disclosed the team’s strategic approach concerning the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

Maxx Crosby talks on The Mahomes Rules

In a recent interview with Las Vegas Sports Today, Maxx Crosby openly shared his thoughts on what has been dubbed “The Mahomes Rule.” When asked about his approach to facing off against Patrick Mahomes, the defensive end stated the importance of taking down such formidable opponents in order to secure victories for his team.

He articulated the Raiders’ game plan, emphasizing a strategy focused on playing with a fierce mindset and executing aggressive tactics to thwart the effectiveness of Mahomes.

“People are sensitive these days, so they take things out of context. But, yeah, he’s got multiple MVPs and Super Bowls; if we wanna win, we gotta take him down. That goes for everybody. He knows I’m coming for him; I’m on that energy every day. It’s not malicious…we play the game the right way, but we play with ill intent, and we play violent…”

Crosby’s determination to challenge Mahomes was put to the test less than a month after the interview, in a face-off between the Raiders and the Chiefs on November 27 of last year. Mahomes had sealed an impressive comeback, securing a 31-17 victory after trailing by 14 points, per the Los Angeles Times.

However, the second encounter had a different narrative. While they again met in the following month, Crosby’s defensive prowess played a crucial role in his team’s success. The Raiders secured a 20-14 triumph, leading by 10 points at halftime and maintaining a 13-point advantage going into the fourth quarter.

Antonio Pierce’s strategy to limit Patrick Mahomes

Though Maxx Crosby always aims to thwart the prowess of Patrick Mahomes, it was Pierce who sparked the innovative approach.

Drawing inspiration from the famed “Jordan Rules” implemented by the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons against Jordan in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Pierce unveiled his brainchild on Maxx Crosby’s “The Rush” podcast.

“You got the Jordan rules. I’m calling it from now on as long as I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes rules. “So you remember when Jordan was going through it with the Pistons, all those guys in the ‘80s? Before he became Michael Jordan, Air Jordan, the Pistons used to whoop his ass,” he said.

The boldness and creativity behind the Mahomes rules caught attention after Raiders owner Mark Davis recognized the potential in Pierce’s coaching philosophy. Davis made the strategic decision to remove the interim tag from Pierce’s title, officially appointing him as the team’s next head coach.

Before that, the head coach showcased his head coaching prowess by leading the Raiders to a commendable 5-4 record in nine games. 

As the Raiders head into the upcoming season, Pierce is already mapping out an extensive plan for his team.