The Raiders had a few victory cigars in the locker room following the 30-6 routing of the New York Giants.
The cigars blazing in the joyful locker room were also a representation of how the Raiders offense performed Sunday – on fire. After not scoring more than 21 points in a contest through Week 8, they broke threw the door with 24 points in the first half.
"Everything that's going on is in front of us, not behind us," Antonio Pierce said following his first game as Raiders interim head coach. "The team effort you saw today is what we displayed in practice on Thursday and Friday. I'm proud of those guys for that. ... Offense came out the gate just physical, downhill running, O-line finishing runs."
The offense was fueled by rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who showed immense progression from his first NFL start a few weeks prior. He threw for 209 yards and completed the Raiders' longest play of the season to Tre Tucker – a 50-yard pass.
While O'Connell looked calm and poised throughout the duration of the game, there was still a few butterflies in the rookie's stomach ahead of his second NFL start. This was a win he really wanted for his team.
"It's a situation I've never been a part of," O'Connell said. "I was lucky to have one head coach my entire time in college, and I was in college for a long time so I got pretty lucky with that. To have a coaching shift this early on was definitely unexpected but I think our guys around me just did a great job of instilling confidence in me and allowing my job to be a lot easier."
After getting sacked six times with three turnovers Week 4 against the Chargers, there was a complete 180-degree flip among O'Connell and the offense against the Giants. The former Purdue Boilermaker committed no turnovers, while the offensive line didn't allow a single sack.
"I think Aidan did a fantastic job," said center Andre James. "He went out there and controlled what he wanted to control. His communication was great all night. As far as the offensive line, we had a plan to for 97 [Dexter Lawrence] and the rest of their D-line on top of it. It was really just about communication, being on the same page and at the end of day, executing."
O'Connell returned the praise back to the offensive line, recognizing how much they were able to provide to their collective success as an offense.
"It starts with them," the rookie said. "I think they've been challenged a lot to do their job and execute and I think they did an awesome job. Those guys, they play so hard. Offensive line is such a hard position. ... It takes a special guy to play offensive line. Super proud of our guys for establishing the run, keeping me clean in the pass game."
Along with the success of O'Connell and the offensive line, running back Josh Jacobs returned to his hard-running form. Pierce said last week that he wanted to get Jacobs going, labeling him as"the heartbeat" of the team.
After leading the NFL rushing yards in 2022, Jacobs has averaged 51 rushing yards per game leading into Week 9. Behind a dominant offensive line and the direction of Pierce and interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree, Jacobs had a season-high 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the day.
Jacobs said he believes Sunday was "the best we've played as a team collectively all season."
"They let me get involved a little more in the run game," Jacobs said of his role in the offense. "They called all the runs that they felt that I liked, the runs that I felt worked good throughout the week. We have been practicing them, they just happened to call them at the right times. It was definitely a collective effort.
"[Pierce] just told me the way I play the game with passion, it ignites a spark in the guys," Jacobs added. "That's what I tried to come out here and bring today."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) hands the ball off to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after rushing for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) is congratulated after rushing for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a PAT during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebackers Jaylon Smith (15) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebackers Jaylon Smith (15) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90), linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fans with signs during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after rushing for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goest to kick a 24-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 24-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 46-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95), cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) and defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the field after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) exits the field after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) exits the field after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) exits the field after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim General Manager Champ Kelly and Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim General Manager Champ Kelly in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
