The Las Vegas Raiders' home opener under Pete Carroll ended in a 20-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, but a bizarre sideline incident involving Maxx Crosby has dominated post-match discussion.
During the second half, ESPN cameras captured Crosby, lying on his back stretching, performing a crude gesture by humping the air three times. The clip quickly went viral, drawing amusement and mockery on social media.
On the field, the Chargers' defence dominated, holding the Raiders without a touchdown and intercepting quarterback Geno Smith three times. Justin Herbert threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard strike to Quentin Johnston. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty managed just 43 rushing yards on 11 carries, while tight end Brock Bowers was limited to three short receptions.
Crosby, who signed a three-year, £80million extension this off-season, recorded five tackles and no quarterback hits. The All-Pro edge rusher made a few key plays, including forcing a turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter, but was otherwise subdued. This is not the first time Crosby has courted controversy; he was caught making obscene gestures towards fans in Seattle during the pre-season.
For the Raiders, the focus now shifts to rebounding from a lacklustre home debut and ensuring their star defender makes headlines for the right reasons in Week 3.
