As the Las Vegas Raiders wrap up their preseason, there will be some long upcoming nights for the coaching staff.
The Silver and Black tied with the 49ers at 24 with the team receiving productive showings from several players pushing for spots on the 53-man roster. While there's some tough decisions to be made, that's not necessarily a bad thing for Pierce and his staff.
"Me and Tom are going to sit there and pound some tape away and brainstorm and put some names up there and just look at it," Pierce said following the preseason finale. "It's tough. It's not easy cutting 37 men and tell them they got to find somewhere else to play or whatever it may be. Nature of the beast, and we'll evaluate over the next 48 hours."
A top player Friday night – and throughout the whole preseason – was rookie linebacker Amari Gainer. The undrafted player from North Carolina finished with 12 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Pierce additionally placed green dot duties upon Gainer to see how he could command the huddle.
"I thought Amari did a really good job," said Pierce. "Listen, you've got an opportunity, you make the most of it. ... He stuck in there to the very end and called the defense tonight. First time he's done that as well. Just some bright spots and things he can learn from as well. That was good to see."
For Gainer, it's been extremely beneficially to be placed in a situation where his first NFL head coach, who also came into the league as a UDFA, played the same position as him.
"Top linebacker in his time – big, long, flies around, he made plays," Gainer said. "That's the kind of linebacker I want to be. He's been a great leader to all of us to make sure we're our best selves everyday and to strive for greatness."
Tyreik McAllister was another player with a great showing against the 49ers. McAllister was formerly on the Denver Broncos practice squad and played in the Canadian Football League for a season. With his increased snap count this game, he showed out with a 35-yard touchdown grab and an 81-yard punt return to the end zone.
"I thought he did a hell of a job just in training camp, just quietly," Pierce said of McAllister. "If you really think about that Minnesota game, he popped one there. We've been seeing it in practice, but today he took it to another level, took one to the crib, and hell of a catch and adjustment there on a reception. Then even just covering kicks. He moved the needle tonight."
McAllister's play in training camp and this preseason is more impressive considering he was switched from running back to wide receiver, playing the position exclusively for the first time since he was an underclassman in college. As Pierce alluded, special teams has been McAllister's calling card.
"I put a lot of pride into [special teams], because I know coming from the CFL that's what got me back here," the receiver said postgame. "I put a lot of pride into it, going out there and doing my best."
Along with Gainer and McAllister, Charles Snowden, Matthew Butler and UDFA Ramel Keyton had statement games for why they should be considered to make the team.
The Silver and Black will finalize their initial 53-man roster Tuesday.
"Today, I thought the game at times was up and down, emotional. ... I thought they did a great job of just celebrating with one another, coaching each other up on the sideline, cheering for one another, and competing," Pierce said. "When we put our 53-man roster together, we know what it's like, we know what it's about.
"It's business, but what we wanted to accomplish over training camp and the offseason program, I think we have done that."
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Phalen Sanford (42), tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) and defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (10) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Zach Gentry (88) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) and cornerback Sam Webb (27) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (10) and guard Ben Brown (79) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (10) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Guyton (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Cornell Armstrong (30), defensive end Amari Gainer (53) and safety Jaydon Grant (40) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (10) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ron Stone Jr. (76) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Woo Governor (44) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) returns a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) returns a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) returns a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) returns a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) returns a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) celebrates after returning a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Guyton (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ron Stone Jr. (76) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Guyton (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Guyton (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) celebrates after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dax Milne (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) and running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) makes a 35-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) runs after making a 35-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Phalen Sanford (42) and defensive end Ron Stone Jr. (76) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ron Stone Jr. (76) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback M.J. Devonshire (26) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) and defensive lineman David Agoha (55) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Cornell Armstrong (30) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (55) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dax Milne (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Phalen Sanford (42) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rayshad Williams (36) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jackson Mitchell (48) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard (46) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard (46) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) and defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Marquan McCall (52) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Elerson Smith (92) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Woo Governor (44) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard (46) and cornerback Woo Governor (44) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Phalen Sanford (42) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Phalen Sanford (42) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), safety Phalen Sanford (42) and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Elerson Smith (92) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Noah Shannon (62) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) and cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard (46) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the sidelines during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kick a 43-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates after kicking a 43-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates after kicking a 43-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates after kicking a 43-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
