Playing with fire: Dolphins counterpart ready to ignite Maxx Crosby’s on-field rage

Maxx Crosby is heading into the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 season opener with plenty to prove, and Miami Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul may have just given the star pass rusher another reason to unleash his trademark intensity.

Paul has acknowledged Crosby’s ability as one of the NFL’s premier defenders, but he also believes frustrating him could be part of Miami’s strategy when the teams meet on September 13.

“He’s a dynamic player,” Paul told reporters. “With him, just beating him to a spot, getting your hands on him, getting him off his game. He likes to play with a lot of swagger.

“So just getting him displaced, getting him off his spots, putting your hands on him, being aggressive and just getting him out of his game. I think once you get him out of his game, it’s pretty much it.”

The Raiders will begin their campaign with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins under center after the team named him the starter ahead of rookie Fernando Mendoza. While plenty of attention will surround the quarterback situation, Crosby remains one of Las Vegas’ most important players and arguably its biggest defensive weapon.

His production last season illustrates why Miami can’t afford to lose track of him. Crosby played 935 defensive snaps in 2025, recording 53 total pressures, 10 sacks, 31 hurries, 12 quarterback hits and 46 solo tackles.

Those numbers explain why Paul and the Dolphins offensive line are already thinking about ways to neutralize him.

Miami’s plan could backfire on Patrick Paul

Paul’s proposed formula is straightforward. Miami wants to beat Crosby to his preferred spots, get its hands on him quickly, move him off his path and prevent him from playing comfortably.

The Dolphins tackle also pointed to Crosby’s swagger and described him as a “hothead,” suggesting that disrupting his rhythm could be just as important as winning the physical battle.

There’s some history supporting that idea. When Miami and Las Vegas met in 2024, Dolphins offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg managed to draw a 15-yard penalty on Crosby after appearing to get under the defender’s skin. Crosby finished that matchup without a sack or tackle for loss.

However, deliberately provoking Crosby carries a significant risk. His fiery personality is also part of what makes him such a relentless defender.

Crosby also has additional motivation entering this season. His expected offseason move to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed after the veteran failed a physical, leaving him in Las Vegas. That failed trade could provide another source of fuel as he looks to demonstrate that any concerns about his health were misplaced.

Miami center Aaron Brewer has emphasized that the Dolphins shouldn’t give Crosby too much respect. They need to trust their preparation, technique and physicality rather than allowing his reputation to dictate how they play.

“You have to acknowledge a great player when it’s a great player, and he’s one of the elite rushers in the league,” Brewer said.

“You’ve got to respect his game, but also don’t make it bigger than it is. He’s still a player in this league, and you’re a player.

Paul’s comments have certainly added an intriguing layer to the opener. If Miami manages to frustrate Crosby without giving him opportunities to wreck the game, its strategy will deserve credit.

But if the plan backfires, the Dolphins may have to rethink their strategy moving forward.