Patrick Mahomes’ recent admission about the best pass rusher he’s faced has ignited a heated debate among NFL fans. Naming Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders as his toughest opponent, Mahomes’ remarks have drawn fiery reactions, with many questioning if he’s forgotten other elite defenders like Aaron Donald.
Crosby, who has faced Mahomes multiple times in their division rivalry, was praised for his relentless effort and skill. With six sacks against Mahomes and top-five rankings in sacks and tackles for loss since 2019, Crosby’s ability to disrupt plays is undeniable. Mahomes’ respect for Crosby stems not only from his stats but also from the consistent pressure he applies during their head-to-head battles.

Critics, however, were quick to point out the absence of Aaron Donald in Mahomes’ assessment. Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Although Mahomes has played against Donald less frequently, fans argue that his dominance and versatility on the field should not be overlooked in such discussions.
The rivalry between Mahomes and Crosby has become a defining element of AFC West matchups, with mutual respect adding depth to their encounters. Mahomes acknowledged Crosby’s unique combination of effort, technique, and football IQ, which has consistently challenged him. Yet, the debate over Donald’s exclusion highlights how subjective player evaluations can be.
NFL Fans React to Patrick Mahomes’ Admission About Maxx Crosby
Fans have shared their thoughts about Mahomes’ admission that Crosby is the best defender he has faced. These reactions can be seen in a post shared by the league’s official Instagram account.
“He never played Aaron Donald?” a fan asked. “Should be bosa considering yall love to hold him every play,” another added.
A follower mentioned, “Crosby is a dawg in general but against the Chiefs he always enters his flow state from the first snap and absolutely tries to mess with Mahomes head
”
“that’s cuz they held Bosa every Super Bowl
” a supporter remarked.
“It would be T.J. Watt if he played the Steelers twice every regular season!” a commenter posted.
“Acting like he hasn’t played against watt, donald, garrett
” a sixth social media user reacted.
As the Chiefs and Raiders prepare for another season, the Mahomes-Crosby rivalry is expected to deliver more thrilling moments. Crosby’s aggressive play style and ability to pressure Mahomes make him a consistent threat. Fans will watch closely to see if this rivalry further cements Crosby’s status in Mahomes’ eyes.

Mahomes’ comments have fueled both praise and debate, underscoring the significance of individual matchups in the NFL. While Crosby earned the quarterback’s admiration, the ongoing discussions about Donald highlight the complexity of ranking defensive greatness.