One of the hallmarks of the rough and tumble-world of the NFL is a team’s ability to overcome adversity. The 17-week season is a grind and for teams to survive and flourish, leadership is key to progress and success week in and week out. The Las Vegas Raiders’ historic 63-21 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football was the perfect example.
At the core of this massive bounce-back win for the Raiders was interim head coach Antonio Pierce. Just one week after a gut-wrenching loss that could have derailed the remainder of the season and his chances at keeping the job full-time, Pierce magically rallied his troops to demolish the floundering Chargers.
It was only four days ago the Raiders were embarrassed at home in a 3-0 loss against Minnesota. Pierce and his Raiders showed Thursday they’re not ready to lay down and “tank” for a better draft pick. Under Pierce’s guidance, the Raiders not only recovered but shot out to an incredible 42-point lead at halftime showcasing determination and flawless execution – evidence of Pierce’s never-say-die leadership and ability to rally his team.
Whether or not he gets a chance to be the Raiders full-time head coach remains to be seen, but he and his team aren’t done fighting as they clearly take on the persona of their coach.
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“They bounced back,” Pierce said after the game. “Like I told them on Tuesday, because I was down, we were all down. The best thing they did was they came to work – their mindset, their mentality, their bounce, they way they were talking. I had to slap myself and get out of the funk. Hats off to our players because that’s what real leaders of men do they bring others along with them and they brought me along — hell, we kicked some ass tonight.”
Pierce’s adjustments between Week 14 and 15 was what Raiders fans had been waiting for. An offense that was averaging a paltry 15.5 points per game, exploded behind rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell overwhelming the Chargers who seemingly decided to check out early. Pierce, and often maligned interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree, opened up the playbook and showcased an aggressive approach utilizing both veteran and rookie talent on their $100 million offense.
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Raiders finally get aggressive on offense
Pierce’s approach on Thursday paid off as the Raiders broke their franchise scoring record and handed the Chargers their largest defeat ever. With such a dominant performance, especially considering the Raiders had an extremely short week, speaks volumes about Pierce’s ability to inspire and prepare his team – again positioning him as a contender for the permanent head coaching role.
Hardegree, who this week moved from the sideline to the booth to call plays, didn’t relent against the Chargers defense, racking up 283 yards by halftime and scoring effortlessly thanks to creative play calling. His ability to adapt and exploit the Chargers weaknesses was on full display and his playcalling showcased a coordination and fluidity that had been lacking in previous games.
When asked why Hardegree was upstairs this week and how it impacted the team’s more aggressive approach on offense, Pierce said something had to change and it worked.
“Obviously, after last week, something had to change,” Pierce said. “I think it worked out well for us. As I’ve been saying every week, that’s the plan (attacking downfield). The young quarterback gotta let it go, and tonight he did.”
O’Connell, the rookie quarterback, delivered a stellar performance as well. O’Connell threw four touchdown passes in just the first half and finished with a total of 248 yards with no turnovers. He was cool, calm and collected bouncing back from a pedestrian performance in last week’s loss. With some calling for him to be benched, and Pierce being non-committal on keeping him as the Raiders starter until just before game day, O’Connell was unphased leading his unit in the big win against their AFC West rival.
O’Connell’s night was helped significantly by his offensive line who gave up just one sack and created a clean pocket for him to throw from all night. A remarkable feat considering both starting right tackle Kolton Miller and center Andre James missed the game due to injury. O’Connell was also without starting running back Josh Jacobs who missed the game with a quad injury.
“Bo did a great job of switching things up and getting the ball in my hands quick and also tried to call some shots,” O’Connell. “It was a great job by everyone involved, especially the offensive line. They fought their butts off.”
Defense continues to shine
The Raiders defense also deserves recognition. They continued their trend of forcing turnovers and even scored two touchdowns for the first time since 2006. This ability to capitalize on their opponents mistakes is something the Raiders have not done well in 2023 with an offense unable to move the ball and score. Against the hapless Chargers, the Raiders offense took the baton from the defense and scored touchdowns on all five turnovers committed by Los Angeles.
Shining in this game were several defenders including defensive end Malcolm Koonce. Koonce scored two sacks, three quarterback hits and three tackles. His sack of Chargers quarterback Easton Stick as the third quarter expired, created a 44-yard fumble return by defensive tackle John Jenkins giving the Raiders a 63-7 lead. Linebacker Devine Diablo also had a banner night with seven tackles on the night. Newly acquired cornerback Jack Jones also ran back a pick-six to make his first major contribution to his new team.
It’s truly remarkable to see how Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has turned around this defensive unit. He’s not only getting the most out of the talent he has, his unit continues to play with confidence and create turnovers. This defense plays differently and has seemed to find its identity.
Chargers were a defeated team but it doesn’t diminish the win
While the Chargers were missing their starting quarterback Justin Herbert, who is out the remainder of the year with a finger injury, and wide receiver Keenan Allen, the Raiders earned the win through playing well in all three phases of the game. The reason Las Vegas has eight losses is because they too often don’t play complementary football. Against Los Angeles, that wasn’t the case.
The Raiders’ performance wasn’t just about taking advantage of an opponent — every aspect of their game plan worked perfectly indicating a team that was well-prepared and well-guided.
Looking forward, the Raiders will face a challenge on Christmas Day against Kansas City. This upcoming game will truly test their strength and the sustainability of their momentum. If the Raiders can maintain the level of play they showcased against the Chargers, they have a chance of building a positive trajectory the rest of the season.
Finding the consistency they had on Thursday night the rest of the way, there’s every reason to consider Pierce for the head coaching position.
This victory wasn’t just a rebound win in a disappointing season. It was a statement showing that leadership matters and it starts with Pierce.