Raiders interim HC earns statement win in upset against Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) talks with head coach Antonio Pierce during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders interim HC Antonio Pierce earns statement win in upset against Chiefs

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/25/23

It's still unclear if the Las Vegas Raiders will promote interim head coach Antonio Pierce. However, he certainly made his case in Monday's upset against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the 20-14 victory, the Raiders grounded the Chiefs offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The two-time MVP completed 27-of-44 passes for 235 yards, one TD, one interception and a below-average 73.6 passer rating. Las Vegas' defense also generated two critical defensive TDs late in the second quarter.

JACK JONES. PICK 6!!!!!#LVvsKC | CBS pic.twitter.com/bbgBQLORn6
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 25, 2023

"I think he should be the head coach next year," CBS Sports analyst and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo said during the game's broadcast. "He communicates and creates a culture, and you're seeing that pay dividends right now."

"I think he should be the head coach next year." - Tony Romo on Antonio Pierce pic.twitter.com/FDnxRmvCoT
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) December 25, 2023

Pierce — a former linebacker who played for the New York Giants and Washington Commanders from 2001-09 — assumed HC duties when the Raiders (7-8) fired Josh McDaniels after Week 8.

Under Pierce, Las Vegas is 4-3, and its defense has dramatically improved. Per ESPN, the Raiders are 10th in the league in points allowed (20 points per game).

The Raiders still have a chance to make the playoffs. As the New York Times simulator noted, their postseason chances will increase from 13% to 66% if they win their next two games.

CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones recently reported Raiders owner Mark Davis will interview multiple candidates before determining Pierce's future. He should consider giving him the job, though, especially if they make the postseason.

The Raiders made a massive error the last time they passed on a successful interim. Even though Rich Bisaccia guided Las Vegas to the playoffs in 2021, Davis hired McDaniels instead, who went 9-16 while he served as HC.

Clearly, the organization should avoid repeating this mistake.

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