Despite the fact that there’s still one regular-season game left, most Las Vegas Raiders fans have moved on to the offseason. The debate surrounding interim coach Antonio Pierce is dominating headlines right now, especially on social media. One former Raiders player made it a point to show his support.
DeSean Jackson, who played for the Raiders back in 2021, made an immediate impact for the Silver and Black. For those of you who don’t recall, Jackson played in nine games (starting four), totaling 12 receptions during his run. Averaging nearly 20 yards per reception as well, Jackson was at that time the deep vertical threat the Raiders offense sorely needed. Still, his run with the Raiders ended just as quickly. Nevertheless, Raider Nation largely holds him in high regard, so, as you can imagine, his support for Pierce carries some weight.
Speaking out via X (or Twitter, as known to most), Jackson made his opinion clear: “Give him the job!” Not only that, but Jackson also made sure to tag the Raiders’ official account as well. See the screenshot below:
Support for Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is gaining momentum…
Jackson’s thoughts aside, current Raiders players have made it known that they too support Pierce. Namely, the team’s two superstars, Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby, haven’t shied away from giving their two cents.
Still, it’s interesting to note that both Adams and Crosby once vouched just as loudly for Josh McDaniels. Do with that as you will. Raiders fans seem largely split on Antonio Pierce. Some are fully aware of the job he did to resuscitate a team that had hit rock bottom. Sure, that’s undeniable. At the same time, you would be remiss not to point out some flaws in Pierce’s run. Specifically, the fact that the team was completely shut out at home not that long ago.
To call this pending decision for owner Mark Davis the biggest of his reign would be an understatement. Is Pierce the man for the job or not?
*Top Photo: Sports Illustrated/Fan Nation
(By Tony Brucks)
Its a game and its a business, (North Dallas Forty).
Ok, so which is better for the players? For the owners? For the fans?
AP has the emotional part covered with the players 100%. The strategic part of his game lacks very much (AP will admit as much). I have seen very poor game planning on several occasions. The in-game adjustments has improved a little but not much since Josh left the room.
Do I believe AP can learn and make the proper adjustments? Yes I most certainly do. With the last 4 coaches we have had they were completely closed off to making ANY adjustments at any time. You cant coach this game and the players like its a prison. It just wont work.
(By Tony Brucks part 2)
Getting most/all the players to want to play this game for any coach is more than half the battle for being a good coach. Most the players now are spoiled and somewhat lazy. They want the money but they dont want to do the work.
Yet these players want a strong leader but not a dictator they can put their faith in. When this happens like it has now with AP you get the players hearts & minds and they believe in you.
Yeah not all the players will “get in line” because they just want the money but not the work. The ones that do will give you everything they have. These are the players worth keeping on the team because they want to play and they want to win.
AP can learn what he doesn’t know and make the adjustments. Someone like Harbaugh is a great coach for knowing how to operate and play this game. As for his knowing how to do the same with the players he lacks pretty much everything there. Including communicating and getting along with the owners. I dont blame Harbaugh for this as he knows what he is doing and he expects everyone to listen & follow his instructions. If you can do this with / for him you are guaranteed a winner.
That is if you can put up with his authoritarian attitude and piss poor bed side manner.
My choice? Right now its AP because like I said half the battle now is getting these pampered & spoiled players to want to play. Yeah he will make a lot of mistakes until he learns not to…but he will learn not to and make that change. And keep the players respect along with their hearts & minds.
Coach AP has brought back the meaning of “Commitment to Excellence” in the past 15 years I would cringe when I heard it because the Raiders were such a joke and played in such disarray. Hire Coach AP and keep us moving forward as a united team!!