Patrick Mahomes drops 4-words on Raiders’ Maxx Crosby ahead of Chiefs clash

The rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders is one of the most intense in the NFL, which Patrick Mahomes referenced during his pregame press conference ahead of the Week 7 clash Sunday.

“I always say it doesn’t matter if you’re doing good, they’re doing good, both doing good, both doing bad, this game – it means more to everybody,” Mahomes said. “Everybody that’s playing in the game, both sides of the football. You have to have that mentality. It’s a true rivalry game. You don’t have a lot of those in the NFL, and I’m blessed to be a part of it because it really does bring out the best in both teams.”

Mahomes praises opponent Maxx Crosby

The Raiders have often struggled against Mahomes, with the Chiefs quarterback boasting a 12-2 record against Las Vegas. Despite his winning streak, Mahomes had kind words for one of the Raiders’ key players, Maxx Crosby, with whom he has developed a mutual respect.  “A ton of respect,” Mahomes explained.

“When I talk to him outside of football, it’s like we’re friends,” the three-time MVP elaborated. “You wouldn’t even see what happens on the football field. But he’s the type of competitor like me. When you get on that football field, it’s whatever it takes to win and you’re going to leave everything on the football field. I have a ton of respect for that.”

Crosby talks up Mahomes

Earlier this week, Crosby returned the praise, calling Mahomes “great” and “one of the best athletes to ever play the game.”

“Every time I get to go out there, just the energy is different,” Crosby said on SiriusXM. “I don’t know how to exactly explain it, but it’s been like that for a long time now. And so he knows what type of time I’m on, and I know what type of time he’s on.”

Chiefs looking to kick-start in AFC West

Crosby recorded his first sack on Mahomes in Week 5 of the 2020 season and will be looking to get one over on his ‘frenemy’ at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

By their own high standards, the Chiefs have endured a challenging start to the season, with three victories and three defeats in six games. That still puts them ahead of the Raiders, who enter Week 7 with a 2-4 record and sit at the bottom of the AFC West.