The rumors in the NFL spread quite fast. The latest one flying is that Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby held a players-only meeting for the team. The team’s three back-to-back losses perhaps made it easier for people to believe the truth. However, that doesn’t seem to be the truth.

The DE Crosby just revealed that there is no truth to this story. “That is complete BS,” Mike Dixon reported on X, calling out the rumor as fake

Now the Raiders aren’t the only team rumored to hold players-only meetings. The Philadelphia Eagles, who were handed 2 back-to-back defeats, were also rumored to hold one with wide receiver AJ Brown. However, Brown later clarified that the rumored meeting in question was only a simple conversation.

Players-only meetings are common in the NFL. The Dolphins held one. And since the Raiders have definitely had their fair share of troubles in the last few weeks, struggling on both offense and defense, the rumors made their way fast. However, as of now, there have been no meetings.

And whether Crossby is required to hold one in the future, the Raiders just secured an impressive win over the Tennessee Titans this season. And that is thanks to the defense.

The Raiders’ defense’s struggles were evident in the last three weeks. Think Week 5. The team gave up 40 points against the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 6, the defense stepped up, making the Titans’ offense work for every yard and forcing three turnovers.

Crosby had a standout performance with two sacks, but this time he didn’t have to carry the load alone. Defensive tackle Jonah Laulu, linebacker Devin White, and defensive tackle Leki Foto all added sacks, helping bolster the defensive effort. White emerged as arguably the game’s top performer, recording a forced fumble, an interception, and nine tackles, making a major impact.

Las Vegas cruised to a comfortable win despite modest performances from quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 75 yards and a score on just 3.3 yards per carry. The Raiders dominated early, shutting out the Titans in the first half, a feat they hadn’t achieved in a half since the second half against New Orleans on December 29 of last year. Las Vegas’ defensive pressure was relentless, sacking Titans quarterback Ward six times to tie his season high and sending pressure on 36.4% of his dropbacks, marking a season-high according to Next Gen Stats.

“The defense played really well,” Carroll said, “from the beginning on, throughout. A lot of guys contributed.” A collective effort on the offense can also help the team recover from what appears to be one of the worst records. If the team can continue such a record, a players-only meeting might not be needed.

However, the offense has continued to struggle.

Geno Smith is still struggling with the Raiders

Quarterback Geno Smith has struggled to live up to expectations. With nine interceptions through five games, which is the most by a Raiders QB since 1982, and a 1-4 team record, doubts are mounting about whether he can help the team.

Week 6 hasn’t been much different. Smith completed 17-23 attempts and had 173 yards for one touchdown, also threw another interception, while the offensive line struggled throughout the game, giving up two sacks. The running game was limited to just 2.1 yards per carry.

Now, his early-season struggles, including multiple games with multiple interceptions, starkly contrast with his previous performance in Seattle and have intensified scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

However, the team, including head coach Pete Carroll, has shown faith in the QB.

“[Smith] just got to keep doing it. He’s got to stay with it,” Carroll said about the player. “We’ve got to continue to build around him, get the running game rolling, got to get our guys coming through on their plays, and he’s got to do his part also.”

It remains to be seen if the Smith and offense can turn things around for the Raiders this season.