The Las Vegas Raiders faced their division rival the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday in week 13. Leading up to the game head coach Antonio Pierce called it as the rest of the public saw it, “…the best team in football against the worst team in football.”. Pierce also declared that the team was still hungry enough to change that narrative. Despite the loss, they may have done it. Here are the top takeaways from the Raiders week 12 loss.
Raiders’ Black Friday Takeaways
Antonio Pierce’s Seat Heat Check
Pierce’s future with the Raiders is in jeopardy until an official decision after the season. Based on the talent that makes up the roster two wins and ten losses is far from what this team was capable of coming into the season. The team has regressed in every facet except maybe special teams. The hiring and trust put in Luke Getsy is something that will come back to haunt Pierce as the offense this season has been pitiful. Scott Turner and Norv Turner taking over the offense proved that further. The success they are finding with the offense as of week 13 speaks to Gety’s ineptitude this season as offensive coordinator.
However, Pierce would be the last to admit that injuries have derailed the Raiders’ season in a big way. At least five defensive starters have been sidelined at a time throughout the season. Pierce has done a great job this season keeping the team invested and playing from whistle to whistle for all four quarters every game. For the most part, luck and the coaching staff have set the team up for failure this season, which puts most of the blame on Antonio Pierce. While it’s not looking great for Pierce, it’s not out of the question the Raiders stick with Pierce to lead their future and possible first-round quarterback.
Brock Bowers Dominates
Brock Bowers has turned into one of the best first-round picks the Raiders have made in recent memory. Not snagging a quarterback and taking the best player available gives their future passer a priceless receiving asset. Bowers has been playing like one of the league’s best receivers, not just tight ends. Before the rest of the league played on Sunday Bowers sat at number three in receiving yards overall behind only Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Bowers is also the only tight end in the top 20 for receiving yards and sits at number one in receptions overall. He’s currently on pace to break the tight end single-season receiving record with the most inconsistent quarterback play in the league.
Since Davante Adams departed to the New York Jets and more so when Turner took over, the Raiders offense goes through Bowers. Against the reigning Super Bowl Champions in week 13, Bowers ended the game with 140 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches. The rookie has risen to the occasion thus far and looks like he’ll only get better down the line.
Running Game Revived
Watching the Raiders on Black Friday it was plain to see that they were determined to make the running game work. Starters Alexander Mattison and Zamir White were out with injuries, but that didn’t stop Turner and the offensive line from one of their best performances. In their first game against the Chiefs in week 8 the Raiders only ended up with 33 rush yards. In week 13 they managed 116 yards on 25 carries. This led to the Raiders winning in the time of possession category and an opportunity at the end to win it. Despite the botched final play between Jackson Powers-Johnson and Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders offensive line played a lot better against the Chiefs. They allowed three sacks, but they still had their best day statistically through the air and one of their best running the ball this season. Rookie DJ Glaze had arguably his best game of the season and stepped up big time against tough opponents. They still have a lot to improve, but the offensive line was a big part of this revival of the rushing game.
You can’t talk about the Raiders’ run game against the Chiefs without mentioning rookie Sincere McCormick. He led the Raiders’ rush attack with 64 yards averaging over five per carry. He made a great case to get more involved in the offense even when the two starters Alexander Mattison and Zamir White eventually come back.
Bonus: Quarterbacks in Hindsight
After Aidan O’Connell‘s performance against the Chiefs, many are wondering why he wasn’t the signal caller from the start. After being named the starter by week 6 O’Connell has been out with injury. Upon return, he looked better than any quarterback including himself looked all season by far. Turner is likely utilizing his quarterback and surrounding weapons much better than Getsy. Even so, it’s hard to understand why Gardner Minshew got the starting job other than his leadership qualities and high salary. O’Connell is undoubtedly the guy going forward and might be able to set himself up to battle whoever comes in next season to play quarterback.
Overall, the Raiders led by Pierce were able to somewhat change the narrative he set forth leading up to the game against the Chiefs. They fought the Chiefs all four quarters and had a chance to win it at the end of the game. Things are looking up as the defense deprived of starters is playing a lot better and so is the offense. Pierce and his team won’t stop fighting for wins, but it’s worth remembering that their jobs depend on it.
Main Image: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
