"Get Loud" hosts Michael Jenkins and Fred Smoot shared their duels to watch for in this Week Three matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and it shouldn't be a surprise that they had a lot to say about Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.
"[Micah] Parsons to Crosby back-to-back is no joke," Jenkins said.
Crosby had five tackles and three quarterback pressures, according to Next Gen Stats in the Raiders' Monday night matchup against the Chargers. So far in 2025, the Raiders' defense has recorded six sacks and is tied for eighth most in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Daniels was sacked four times in last week's Thursday night game against the Packers' dynamic defensive front. Jenkins and Smoot pointed out how these challenging fronts so far this season have been opportunities for rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to learn on the job.
"This is the NFL. Every week is going to be a challenge," Smoot said. "This is the learning curve of the rookie. I was a rookie before. You don't think my eyes were wide open my first game when I get on the field with Junior Seau and Doug Flutie?"
Commanders' offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury also commented on Conerly's growth in his Thursday press conference.
"He's definitely been thrown into the fire, no doubt," Kingsbury said. "You talk about the Giants front, Micah [Parsons] is as dominant as any player I've seen since I've been in the league. Then, you get Mad Maxx this week. He's got his hands full, but he's progressing as a rookie should. You know, learning along the way."
Crosby, a seven-year veteran, has led the NFL in tackles and is tied for fourth in sacks for defensive linemen since 2019 with 105 tackles for loss and 59.5 sacks. Conerly was drafted in the first round by the Commanders at 29th overall and is playing right tackle after having primarily spent his college career in Oregon at left tackle.
"I think Conerly will rise to the occasion, because every time he goes against these great edge rushers, he's taking something from these games," Smoot said. "The challenge is there. The duel is there."
