From the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook:
There are two usual methods of accomplishing a crosswind approach and landing—the crab method and the wing-low (sideslip) method. Although the crab method may be easier for the pilot to maintain during final approach, it requires judgment and precise timing when removing the crab immediately prior to touchdown. The wing-low method is recommended in most cases, although a combination of both methods may be used. While current testing standards allow for either method, pilots should learn to do both.
(https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/10_afh_ch9.pdf)
You're right, the crosswind doesn't CAUSE the wing to drop. However, if the pilot is using the FAA's recommended technique, HE WILL touch down with the a/c BANKED INTO THE WIND, meaning one main gear necessarily will touch down before the other.
In fact, the certificated maximum crosswind component of any airplane is based in part on how far the a/c can be banked into the wind AT TOUCHDOWN without risking a wingtip contacting the runway.
FWIW, the only airplane ever built that was designed to land in a crab is the Boeing B-52 bomber.
bttt
CRJ’s are flown to 15-30’ before transitioning from a crab angle to a wing-low configuration.
We will have to wait for the CDR, but at this rate of descent, something was going to break.