Coming off their second consecutive victory, the Raiders have adopted the mentality of not needing to prove anything to anyone – but only to each other.
Another all-around team effort placed the Raiders in the win column with a 25-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in their last road game of the 2024 season. It's the most points the team has scored since Scott Turner took over as interim offensive coordinator. Additionally, the defense held the Saints scoreless in the second half.
"Did everything that we talked about – control the line of scrimmage, time of possession, not turning the ball over," Head Coach Antonio Pierce said postgame. "The running game, I thought we were very efficient, especially on third down. Had some great opportunities there in the red zone defensively with a stop and then offensively, I think we were 2-for-4 there.
"But just proud of this team, how resilient they are. Don't blink, they don't flinch. They just go out there and play. They love one another and you can tell obviously they like playing the game of football."
Top factors in pulling out the victory were controlling the clock and success in the ground game. The Raiders bested the Saints in time of possession by over 15 minutes. This was also their second straight game without committing a turnover. While the Raiders offense went 10-of-18 on third down, they held the Saints to 1-of-10 in the same situation.
"Between red zone third down back from OTAs and spring ball, that's all we worked on and was constantly part of the process we talked about with having a team effort and playing a complete game," Pierce said. "That's something we work on each and every week. Obviously, every team in the league does, but it's something that we really emphasize because if we can keep those drives going, we feel good about it. In the league, the more and more you keep a defense on the field late in the season, you get the points and scores you were getting, especially offensively."
Notably, their 156 rushing yards Sunday afternoon are the most totaled on the season. Ameer Abdullah topped 100 rushing yards for the first time in his 10-year career, ending the day with a career-high 147 scrimmage yards.
"Honestly, we were just beating them up upfront," Abdullah said, giving the offensive line credit for his showing. "I feel like our guys leaned on them, they understood when to come off on double teams. And when you have that type of synergy with the O-line and the backs, we just do our job. ... We felt like the O-line had an advantage."
While the career performance means a lot to Abdullah, the win holds more weight. He views the overall success of the team against the Saints as a representation of how the team has fought for each other to close out this season.
"This is probably one of the closest teams I've been on," Abdullah said. "From just a relationship standpoint, we really care about each other. We've been through some lows, so we've seen each other at very vulnerable moments. We know how hard each one of us works to be in this situation. ... I know those guys are happy for me and I'm just proud to call myself a Raider and to share the locker room with these guys."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 31-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (33) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (45) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (80) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 39-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) goes for a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tackle DJ Glaze (71) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the bench during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) on the bench during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) and defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) and Head Coach Antonio Pierce during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates with quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53), safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Carnell Williams in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
The Las Vegas Raiders in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and Head Coach Antonio Pierce in the locker room after the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
