Maxx Crosby still remembers the noise in the Bay Area. The Las Vegas Raiders travel to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, marking the team’s first regular-season game in the territory since their relocation following the 2019 campaign.
Crosby, Miller and Cole Carry Oakland Roots Into Santa Clara
Only three players on the current Raiders roster experienced the final season in Oakland firsthand. Alongside Crosby, offensive tackle Kolton Miller and punter AJ Cole remain from the 2019 squad.
It’s going to be a lot of tension and excitement at the same time,
Crosby said, recalling his rookie season. It’s unique to have been a part of this rivalry, knowing how much it meant to the public.
The historical animosity between the two franchises stems from decades of sharing the Northern California market. While the teams now reside in different conferences—the Raiders competing in the AFC West and the 49ers leading the NFC—the cross-bay friction endures.
It’s exciting for me because I know it’s exciting for the fans,
49ers linebacker Fred Warner said. Multiple people told me, ‘You better beat the Raiders!’ Even though they don’t play in Oakland anymore, it means a lot. This week they’re going to be the Oakland Raiders, and it’s really exciting.
The Raiders play their first game in the Bay Area since relocating on Sunday. But only three players return as former Oakland Raiders. Spoke to Maxx Crosby, Kolton Miller and AJ Cole on what this weekend means and what they hope to impart to teammates.https://t.co/UrQSmRddAf
Offensive Output Meets Defensive Vulnerability
The Raiders arrive at 4-4 following a victory over the New York Jets, bringing an improved offensive rhythm to the field. Las Vegas has scored 221 points through eight games, matching the fourth-highest mark in franchise history at this stage and representing the club’s best offensive start through eight contests since 2002. The team has generated 89 more points at this juncture than it did at the same point last season.
That scoring surge balances against stark defensive concerns. The Raiders are conceding an average of 6.1 yards per play, the worst total in the league this season.
San Francisco presents a severe test for that defense. The 49ers sit atop the NFC with a 6-1 record, despite dropping a matchup in Atlanta two weeks prior to their bye week. San Francisco enters Sunday’s game averaging 6.4 yards per play, the best total in the league. The 49ers have won six of their last seven regular-season games following a bye week, with their sole loss in that stretch coming against the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
Raiders Face 49ers Following Single Overtime Meeting in Las Vegas
Since the Raiders relocated to Las Vegas after the 2019 season, the two clubs have met only once in regular-season play. That single encounter took place in Week 17 of the 2022 campaign, when San Francisco secured a 37-34 victory in overtime at Las Vegas.
The 49ers feature running back Christian McCaffrey, who enters Sunday’s contest having scored at least one touchdown in each of his last six appearances.
Sunday’s kickoff at Santa Clara is scheduled as the Raiders test their 4-4 record against the NFC front-runners.
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