As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face their longtime rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 8, both teams are gearing up for a clash of strategies. With both the Chiefs and Raiders vying to secure the AFC West, Antonio Pierce’s Raiders are determined to bring down the reigning Super Bowl champs. While the Chiefs continue to dominate with Patrick Mahomes’ unique brand of “magic,” Pierce has made it clear he’s ready for a full-on rivalry brawl.

“It’s not just another game,” he said. “It’s a rivalry game. It’s the team in red.” Pierce’s defense is set to focus on containment and pressure to keep Mahomes from extending plays — a tactic that’s worked in the past and one they hope will work again. With his disdain for Mahomes and the Chiefs, Pierce has introduced the “Patrick Mahomes rules.” “We saw red, we hate red,” Pierce told Raiders’ Maxx Crosby earlier on The Rush podcast, emphasizing a psychological and physical intensity that fueled their 20-14 Christmas win over the Chiefs.

Pierce’s approach to stopping Mahomes is grounded in the “Jordan Rules,” a concept inspired by the Detroit Pistons’ aggressive strategy against Michael Jordan in the 80s. “You got the Jordan rules,” Pierce explained, referring to his team’s need to rough up Mahomes and disrupt his rhythm. “I’m calling it from now on as long as I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes rules.” Pierce said that like the Pistons, his defense needs to make sure Mahomes feels their presence on every play.

Recalling their Christmas game last season, Pierce noted how he’d shown the team footage of Jordan being beaten down by the Pistons, drawing parallels to their approach with Mahomes. He said, “I told ‘em, there’s a difference between dislike and hatred. There’s a hatred for the Chiefs.”

This season, Pierce is betting on his team’s readiness and dedication to stopping Mahomes, adding, “We’ve gotta knock off the team in red…knock off the head of the snake — 15.” The Raiders are setting the stage for another hard-hitting showdown against their biggest rivals. Will history repeat? or will Chiefs have their revenge? We’re going to get the answer this Sunday.

Raiders’ Christmas miracle: How they stunned Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2023

Last Christmas, Raider Nation had plenty to celebrate as the Las Vegas Raiders shocked the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling showdown. Although Patrick Mahomes put up solid numbers — throwing for 273 yards and a touchdown — the Raiders managed to disrupt his rhythm with relentless defensive pressure. “We knew we had to make him uncomfortable,” a Raiders defender shared after the game. The Chiefs’ star quarterback, known for his ability to dominate, struggled under constant pressure, being sacked four times and even throwing a pick-six to Raiders cornerback Jack Jones. That interception turned the tide, energizing the Raiders and deflating the Chiefs.

The 29-year-old’s versatility has always been a problem for defenses, and he still showed glimpses of it, adding 253 rushing yards across his games against the Raiders, with two touchdowns on the ground. But on this day, the Raiders held their ground, effectively limiting his impact and seizing control. The Chiefs entered the game as two-time Super Bowl champions and league favorites, but Raider Nation took advantage of every opportunity, showcasing their resilience.

With this win, the Raiders proved they could stand toe-to-toe with the NFL’s best. Now, they look to carry that momentum into future face-offs.