'It’s war…': Maxx Crosby fires up rivalry as Patrick Mahomes calls him 'best pass rusher' he's faced ahead of high-stakes Raiders vs Chiefs game

When the Las Vegas Raiders take on the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 19, one of the NFL’s fiercest team rivalries will be matched by one of its most respected individual ones: Maxx Crosby vs. Patrick Mahomes. Despite the intensity of the AFC West matchup, both players continue to speak highly of each other ahead of their match. Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby called Mahomes his “best rival” and opened up about how much he values going head-to-head with the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback.In a recent appearance on the Let’s Go podcast, Crosby didn’t hold back in praising Mahomes. “I’ve been around some of the best athletes and players to ever play the game,” Crosby said. “And I know he’s that. And every time I get to go out there, just the energy is different.” Crosby added that while the rivalry goes beyond just the two of them, every matchup with Mahomes brings a different level of intensity. “I don’t wanna make it about just me and him, obviously, our teams have a lot of history going against each other as well,” he said. “But every time me and Pat meet up, we’re both on that type of time from start to finish. It’s ultimate respect before the game, after the game. But between those lines it’s war, and I love it, look forward to it every single time.”Both teams are trying to find their rhythm this season. The Kansas City Chiefs are 3-3 and aiming to reset after a bumpy start that followed last year’s Super Bowl loss. The return of key receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could give Mahomes more firepower heading into this matchup. The Las Vegas Raiders, now 2-4, snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over the Tennessee Titans. In that game, Crosby was a defensive force, recording two sacks. He had help from Jonah Laulu, Devin White, and Leki Fotu, who all contributed to a much-needed defensive rebound.Crosby noted that Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward reminded him of Mahomes in how he reads and controls the field. “He’s a hell of a competitor, and I love his attitude,” Crosby said.The respect certainly isn’t one-sided. Mahomes recently praised Crosby on Up and Adams with Kay Adams, calling him the toughest pass rusher he’s ever faced. “I think he’s sacked me the most out of anyone I’ve ever played against,” Mahomes said. “To me, he’s the best pass rusher that I’ve played against. No offense to any other pass rusher. He goes out there, gives you the effort, he has the moves, and he has the skill. I think it’s hard to have all three of those and do that year in and year out.”Also read: “Collecting A-list actors like Pokémon”: Fans go wild as Travis and Jason Kelce announce Keanu Reeves as next guest on ‘New Heights’ podcastWhile the Chiefs and Raiders continue their long-standing AFC West rivalry — which Kansas City leads 75–55–2 — the Crosby vs. Mahomes storyline adds another layer of intensity to Sunday’s matchup.