I recall this narrative that was being spun about Maxx Crosby during his rookie season that said he was a situational pass rusher. In other words, he was put in the game in obvious passing situation and had to come out in short yardage. Even at that time, I kept wondering where that narrative started because it was simply not true. Not ever. Not even as a rookie.
Four years later, that narrative seems to be forgotten. At least those to promulgated it would like it to be. Because it’s been obvious for some time that Crosby is as much of a force from the defensive end spot against the run as he is against the pass. And that’s saying a lot.
Need any further proof? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
According to Pro Football Focus, Crosby leads the way in just about every run stop category they track including run stops (15), run stop percentage (16.1%), solo tackles (16), combined tackles (20), and run defense grade (81.2)
His 16.1% is by far the best run-stop percentage among DE’s — 2.4 points better than the next on the list.
Here is the full top five
Maxx Crosby 16.1%
Jihad Ward 13.7%
Sam Hubbard 11.8%
Odafe Oweh 11.3%
Cameron Jordan 10.4%
Crosby also leads the league in tackles for loss (8). Not just among defensive ends. At any position. And if you’re wondering about his pass rushing; his four sacks tie him for fifth in the league. Nearly as many sacks as the rest of the top five run-stopping DE’s combined (4.5).
He’s a unicorn.
