Has Interim Coach Antonio Pierce Already Turned Around the Raiders? Mark Davis and the Players Are Impressed

There has been a change of wind in the Las Vegas Raiders? atmosphere. This change is not only limited to the field itself but also being felt in the dressing room as well. The owner Mark Davis credits the interim HC Antonio Pierce. The Raiders did not start the season as they would?ve wanted. And after the mid-season firing of previous HC Josh McDaniels, things looked tumultuous. But as Pierce took on the reigns things have shifted for the positive with the Raiders.

Antonio Pierce is bringing out the best

Maxx Crosby DE for the Raiders previously talked about the issues in the dressing room. But NFL insider Ian Rapoport now suggests that the spirits are back. And the players and the owner are feeling them.

“While Davis has not specifically stated what interim coach Antonio Pierce needs to do for the full-time job to be his for the 2024 season and beyond, sources say Davis has noticed the energy in the building that Pierce brought when he was elevated following McDaniels’ firing on Oct. 31,” Rapoport reported Sunday. “While pleasantly surprised in how the team has responded with back-to-back wins, Davis is said to be impressed, sources say.”

This wind of change was also felt on the field as the Raiders bounced back from their two-game losing streak to wins against the Giants and the Jets. A lot is yet to be seen as the Raiders clash lock horns with the Miami Dolphins at 1:00 PM ET? at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Antonio Pierce certainly comes out as a ‘permanent’ leader

The previous HC for the Raiders Josh McDaniels was also an interim head coach. Poached away from the New England Patriots and that decision proved to be worthwhile for the Raiders. Two years ago, McDaniels came to save the season, and he did that by taking the Raiders to the playoffs.

Now with the Raiders at 5-5 and behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, the change has to be drastic for Pierce to repeat the success of the previous HC and the best shot for him to get this job permanently. But again, the Raiders’ back-to-back wins under his wings have already impressed the owner. The team’s 4-5 comeback is not only about the team’s emotions but also the ultra-energy brought in by Pierce. The All-Pro receiver Davante Adams aptly said about Pierce, “We’ve got a new leader right now.”

While they have a whole lot of proving for the second part of the season, only time will tell what’s in the store for Pierce and the Raiders in the future. Let us know your thoughts about the Raiders’ chances to get to playoffs this season, in the comments.

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