Let’s go! Raider Nation should have a whole new outlook on the 2023 season after the Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a Christmas miracle by beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead 20-14. There is a lot to react to this week, so let’s get right into it. We will start with the one thing that is officially back on the minds of Raider Nation: the playoffs.
So, What You’re Saying Is… There’s A Chance?
Heading into Week 16, the Raiders were still mathematically in the playoff hunt, but actually getting in did not feel like a legitimate possibility. Things have changed since Christmas. That win over the Chiefs gives the Raiders a tangible shot at the playoffs, albeit an unlikely one.
Not only that, but the Raiders are by no means out of the race for the AFC West title either. They are now just two games back of Kansas City and would have the tiebreaker in the event both teams finish 9-8. For that to happen, the Raiders need to first take care of business against the Colts and Broncos. Those will be tough, but very winnable, games. Then, they need the Chiefs to continue to collapse and lose to both the Bengals and Chargers.
That is a tall order, but it isn’t crazy considering how Kansas City has played as of late.
Even if that doesn’t happen, Las Vegas could still sneak into a wildcard berth. However, that will be much trickier. Not only do the Raiders still need to win out, but they would also need the Steelers to drop their last two and for the Bengals, Texans, and Colts to all go 1-1 or worse.
However, that is not as crazy as it seems when you consider that Pittsburgh has to play the Seahawks and Ravens on the road, Cincinnati has the Chiefs and Browns, and Houston gets two divisional matchups with the Titans and Colts. Indianapolis winning the latter has no consequence for the Raiders either, because this is all assuming that Las Vegas beat them the week prior, giving them a head-to-head tiebreaker.
The bottom line is that if the Raiders do what they need to do, the rest should take care of itself. Luckily, the Raiders have excellent leadership right now. Regardless of how the playoff race shakes out, interim head coach Antonio Pierce has already made a strong audition for the permanent gig.
Raiders Need To Take the ‘Interim’ Tag Off Coach Antonio Pierce Now
At this point, what more do we need to see? Pierce has clearly won over the locker room. We have not seen the Raiders play this inspired style since 2021 under Rich Bisaccia. Las Vegas made a mistake by not retaining the interim coach that time around. It would be wise not to make the same mistake twice.
Also, keeping Pierce is likely the best chance that the Raiders have of keeping the defensive side of the coaching staff in place. That is crucial given how this unit is playing right now. It has been a long time since the Raiders have had a defense play this well. While Pierce is a part of that, Patrick Graham is the architect. He should be in high demand this offseason. Keeping Pierce around gives the Raiders their best shot at retaining Graham.
If that isn’t enough, just look at how he is maximizing the talent on the roster right now. The offensive line is finally starting to assert itself despite being without Kolton Miller. Outside of Maxx Crosby, this defense was largely a group of nobodies. Guys like Malcolm Koonce, Bilal Nichols, and Robert Spillane are playing out of their minds right now and making names for themselves.
One player in particular has blossomed before our eyes over the last two weeks. His presence on the team and his elevated play have a lot to do with his relationship with Pierce.
Jack MF’ing Jones
Wow, talk about making an instant impact. Jack Jones has been incredible since joining the Raiders. It is crazy to think that he was sitting on the waiver wire just over a month ago. Now, he is a crucial part of the Raiders’ playoff push.
Jones’ pick-six against the Chiefs was his second in consecutive weeks. This most recent one was crucial to Las Vegas getting the win. Not only did it end up being the game-winning touchdown, but it was a huge momentum swing. Part of the reason why it gave the Raiders such a jolt was the swagger with which Jones scored. He trash-talked Patrick Mahomes the entire way to the end zone.
The addition of Jones has brought a much-needed edge to the Raiders’ secondary. His addition seems to have caused the guys around him, like Marcus Epps and Amik Robertson, to play with more of a chip on their shoulders as well. This is something that we haven’t seen in a while, but it has always been the hallmark of great Raiders defenses in the past.
Hopefully, this is all a sign of even more greatness to come.
*Top Photo: Getty Images