Antonio Pierce Has a Final Chance to Make the Case He Should Be the Las Vegas Raiders’ Head Coach
HENDERSON, Nev. – In what could be his last opportunity to prove himself, Antonio Pierce is determined to enhance his resume on the grass. With a mixed bag of results and a 4-4 record since taking over as the Las Vegas Raiders’ interim head coach on Halloween night, Pierce’s future hangs in the balance.
While Pierce has injected energy into the lackluster locker room and improved the team’s defense, he has faced criticism for his in-game decisions. Punting on the opposing team’s side of the field and misusing timeouts have been notable issues. These shortcomings could be costly if owner Mark Davis decides to pursue a high-profile coach like Jim Harbaugh.
However, if Davis is still considering removing the interim tag from Pierce’s job title, the upcoming season finale against the Denver Broncos takes on added significance for the coach and his staff. Pierce understands the importance of this game in evaluating his performance.
At the end of the day, everything will be looked at by wins and losses, and I think that’s fair and that’s what this business is about, Pierce said. But I do also think it’s about what do you build in the foundation? And I think for the most part in these eight or nine weeks, it’s been a solid foundation that we’ve built as a team and as an organization that we can look on and say, ‘OK, those are things that went well and there are some other things that we can do better.’
Beyond Pierce’s future, the Raiders face numerous other questions as the season draws to a close. One of the key areas of concern is the quarterback position. Aidan O’Connell has shown promise, but has yet to prove himself as a top-tier quarterback. With next year’s draft featuring a strong class of quarterbacks, the timing couldn’t be worse for O’Connell.
The team’s management will also need to evaluate various positions throughout the lineup. With the Raiders mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, Sunday’s game against the Broncos could provide an opportunity for players who haven’t seen much action to make an impression.
Although it may seem like the Raiders have little to play for, there are still important questions that need answers regarding the team’s performance.
Unless you plan on retiring and not playing in the NFL or coaching in the NFL, this is still on your resume, Pierce emphasized. You always look at the last four, five, or six games of the season of how a team plays, how they’re coached. So I think for us, it’s very important, it’s still part of the process and evaluation.
In terms of on-field performance, wide receiver Davante Adams has been a standout in recent weeks. Despite a slightly down year by his standards, Adams has recorded 1,000 yards for the fifth time in six seasons and is on the verge of reaching 100 receptions for the fifth time as well.
On the flip side, the Raiders have struggled with consistency. While they have shown glimpses of playoff-worthy performance, they have failed to build upon those successes. Costly penalties have hindered the team’s progress, exemplified by their recent 23-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been a bright spot for the Raiders, with the defense significantly improving under his guidance. Allowing only 19.8 yards per game, the team’s defense ranks eighth in the league, a vast improvement from last season.
Conversely, cornerback Jack Jones committed critical errors in the game against the Colts, including an offside penalty that allowed Indianapolis to extend their lead, ultimately leading to the Raiders’ defeat.
In terms of injuries, running back Josh Jacobs has missed the past three games due to a quadriceps injury, while tight end Michael Mayer has been sidelined with a toe injury for two straight games.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will conclude their season with a home game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
AP NFL: [link]
Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce walks along the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce answers questions during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts,. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
