Antonio Pierce building case for Raiders’ head-coach job،
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce is making his case for the full-time job, especially following a blowout win over the Chargers and Sunday's upset of the Chiefs.
“I'm going to keep saying it: As long as it looks good, sounds good and smells good, I'm good with it. Win, lose or draw,” Pierce said Tuesday. “And I'm going to be me, and [the players] it will be them. And when this bad boy is done, I hope everything works out and we'll be together for years to come.
“And, let's hope [Raiders owner] Mark Davis sees improvement and growth within our team. He sees the style and play he expects from the Raiders. He sees a fan base behind us. He sees a building that loves coming to work and loves being here and people who cover the team, who love covering the team. And ultimately we have to win. And right now, my record, our record, is 4-3.”
Pierce, promoted to linebackers coach after the Halloween night firings of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, has the Raiders playing inspired football, even though the two most recent wins followed a loss at decidedly uninspired 3-0 home win against the Minnesota Vikings.
At the time, Davis told ESPN that he was “intrigued” by Pierce and came away “impressed” with him after his interview, adding that he wanted Pierce to “lead, not necessarily coach.” coordinators and to other position coaches. Be someone they could follow. I felt good. I felt good with him.”
Raiders right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said recently that players “love” playing for Pierce and Champ Kelly, who was promoted to assistant general manager to replace Ziegler.
Still, Davis can't unilaterally name Pierce, who is black, as the Raiders' full-time coach. Under the updated Rooney Rule, Davis must interview at least two “external” minority candidates for the position before making the hire.
“My resume is on the grass, and I can give a sophisticated presentation, I’ve seen that before,” Pierce said. “I can post statistics. I can post my resume. But the best thing that happened to me was the opportunity. And like I said, maybe last week was the worst day I was going to experience as a head coach was my first day. … I really pride myself on growing every day to get better. It's no different than when I was a player – getting better, and at the At the end of the day, you look at him, whatever your career was and whatever my coaching career was, you sit there and say, 'Look, that's what he was.'”
Defensively, the Raiders took a big step forward with Pierce.
Opponents averaged 23.4 points under McDaniels. They are averaging 15.3 points under Pierce, who retained defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The turnover margin was -8 before the change; it's plus-5 under Pierce.
The Raiders also rank first in the NFL in scoring defense since Pierce took over. They were 22nd until Week 8. Since Week 9, the Raiders have blitzed less – a low of 12% (they were at 24% until Week 8, 15th highest in the league) – but have more sacks under Pierce. , 24-16. And their opponents' Total QBR went from 60 to 39 with Pierce as interim coach.
Utilizing a more zone-oriented defense (77% dropbacks since Week 9, second highest in the league behind the Indianapolis Colts' 79%, compared to 64% through Week 8), the Raiders have achieved two defensive touchdowns in each of the two games. the last two matches.
The Raiders (7-8) close the season with games at the Colts (8-7) and at home against the Denver Broncos (7-8). According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Raiders have a 12% chance of making the playoffs and a 2% chance of winning the AFC West for the first time since 2002, which could happen if they win and the Chiefs lose.
Asked how the nationally televised Christmas Day victory in Kansas City might strengthen his case for a full-time job, Pierce was philosophical.
“So we're what, 2-1 in the division, beating [the Chiefs] at home,” he said. “How many times has this happened in the last 25 years with the Raiders? Does anyone know? I don't know the exact number. Less than a handful, right? »
The Raiders have won 11 times at Arrowhead since 1998, but only twice since 2013.
“Most of these guys were [offensive] gurus, not a defensive coach who's never done it before, right? » Pierce said. “And did it in a way, didn’t he?” It's our way, isn't it? Just like the Raiders, right? [Davis] I’ll figure that out.”
