Antonio Pierce’s path to becoming the Raiders’ head coach was all about grit, hustle, and a Christmas Day win over Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City. In a candid chat on the Pardon My Take podcast, the former linebacker-turned-coach opened up about this sudden realization seven months post-Chiefs’ win. “Going against [Chiefs’ HC] Andy Reid 25 times as a player, or 23; excuse me, I’m used to that battle, but it was always different. This time, it was coach vs. coach,” said Pierce on the epic win that made him totally confident in his role as head coach.

Pierce emphasized the intense preparation and execution that went into pulling off a game against Kansas City’s powerhouse offense. “What we wanted to do, the 15th and 87, was critical. We wanted to make it ugly, we wanted to make it gritty,” he alluded. The victory was a defining moment, not just for the Raiders but for the coach personally. “After the game, we were in the locker room, celebrating. But, did I feel like that was the moment, no. I just felt like I belonged in the national football league as a head coach.”

The 20-14 Christmas Day win was the Las Vegas HC’s moment of validation in the big leagues, as his team won against Mahomes’ Chiefs. 

Mahomes’ Chiefs assess loss to the Raiders: What went wrong?

After a tough 14-point loss to the Raiders, the Chiefs hit a season-low and scored their fifth-fewest points, despite Patrick Mahomes running the show. Their offense hit a rough patch, with the passing game faltering against the Raiders’ defense.

One of the highlights—or lowlights—was a fake punt from Tommy Townsend to Justin Watson on 4th- and 5. The 11-yard gain set up a Harrison Butker field goal attempt, which unfortunately missed before halftime. Mahomes had his moments too, but his performance was shaky. In the fourth quarter, he double-clutched a throw intended for Noah Gray. Tre’von Moehrig nearly intercepted it, with replay confirming the ball moved upon impact with the ground. The drive ended with an incomplete pass to Rashee Rice on 4th-and-goal.

The Chiefs were reeling, having dropped three of their last five games. Reflecting on the loss, Mahomes took a hard look at his own performance. “I think [we] just have to be better as a unit. I have to play better, read the field better,” he said. “There were times where there were throws there and I didn’t make them… it wasn’t my best performance.”

With a new season almost knocking on the door, Mahomes and the Chiefs will need to tighten up if they want to regain their stride and avoid another slip-up like the Raiders game last season.