LOS ANGELES — In between snaps at Cal Lutheran last summer, Maxx Crosby danced to the music blaring in the background, loose, unbothered. But once the ball was snapped, the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end was unleashed, and caused chaos in the Rams’ backfield.
It was just a joint practice, but it left an impression, nonetheless.
“Last year was the first year I ever had to go against him,” Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “I got to see him up close and how destructive this guy can be. What really stands out about him and this defense is he doesn’t take a play off, ever. He plays so hard; that’s the way this game should be played.”
On Sunday, the Rams (1-4) will have to find a way to limit Crosby as the Raiders (2-4) travel to Inglewood.
No official stats were kept at that joint practice last summer, but the records are pretty clear about the last time the Rams faced Crosby. The two-time All-Pro recorded two sacks and six quarterback pressures in 2022, in the famous Baker Mayfield, Thursday night Rams win.
“He had a really good day, I’ll say that,” right tackle Rob Havenstein said with a laugh.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wasn’t a part of that game, but the experience practicing against him last summer was enough to elicit wide eyes and a deep breath when asked about Crosby on Wednesday.
Beyond just the performance, in which Crosby pushed back against any tackle he faced, was the attitude he played with. He was constantly jawing with Rams players before chasing down former running back Cam Akers from behind and initiating some pushing and shoving between the teams.
“He’s a fun guy. He loves to be out there playing, he loves to be talking, and he can back it up,” Stafford said. “He’s a hell of a player.”
“He’s just relentless in his pursuit to the run game, the pass game; there’s no flaws in his game,” Havenstein added. “You gotta be on your P’s and Q’s if you want to have a chance to block this guy.”
Crosby has not practiced this week with an ankle injury, but he missed practice Wednesday and Thursday last week and still played in the Raiders’ 32-13 loss to the Steelers. Crosby logged two tackles and half a sack in that contest.
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Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) was a partial participant in practice Thursday for the second straight day. Kupp is trying to return for Sunday’s game against the Raiders after missing the Rams’ three previous games with his ankle sprain.
“Good,” LaFleur said when asked about how Kupp looked at Wednesday’s practice. “It’s just good to have him back out there. His energy, his presence … I know the guys feel it. I know he’s getting better every single day.”
Offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (ankle) and wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) logged their second consecutive limited practices Thursday, as well.