Solo en dos ocasiones como jugador Antonio Pierce sintió mariposas en su estómago: en su debut como profesional el 9 de Septiembre del 2001 con Washington ante San Diego y el 3 de Febrero del 2008 cuando ganó el Super Bowl 42 con los Gigantes de Nueva York frente a los Patriotas. Sumen una vez más que le sucedió eso en un emparrillado de la NFL, ahora como el entrenador en jefe interino de los Raiders al comandar a su equipo a una victoria por marcador final de 30 puntos a 6 en su debut con el puesto. Se convirtió en el único entrenador en jefe en la historia de los Raiders en hacer su debut en la posición con un margen de victoria de al menos 15 puntos.
"Es un nuevo capítulo y escribimos nuestro propio guión, este es solo el primer paso", dijo Pierce durante su discurso al equipo posterior al triunfo. "Lo más importante es que es sobre nosotros, es sobre ustedes. Decidieron lo que íbamos a hacer, salimos (al campo) y lo hicimos. Las últimas dos semanas fueron difíciles. Cada puerta que tengamos enfrente la vamos a derrumbar de aquí en adelante".
Fútbol americano complementario es lo que se ha buscado predicar dentro del seno negro y plata, consiguiéndolo por primera vez en la temporada 2023 en su duelo de la semana nueve. Tres anotaciones a la ofensiva, dos intercepciones, ocho capturas de mariscal de campo y cuatro paradas en cuarta oportunidad por parte de la defensa, además de tres goles de campo y buena cobertura en patadas de despeje y salida por parte de los equipos especiales hicieron este un partido completo para Las Vegas.
Tras no conseguir más de dos anotaciones en sus primeros ocho partidos de la campaña, el ataque de los Malosos con Aidan O'Connell como mariscal de campo titular logró meterse a la zona de anotación en tres ocasiones durante la primera mitad. En primera instancia con un acarreo de Jakobi Meyers, seguido por Josh Jacobs metiéndose a las diagonales dos veces. Para Jacobs fue su partido más productivo del actual año al correr el balón 26 veces para 98 yardas y dos anotaciones.
"Todo el partido por gran parte nos fue muy bien, hay algunas cosas que necesitamos limpiar, pero definitivamente vamos por el camino correcto", declaró Jacobs. "Queríamos conseguir esta victoria para A.P. (Antonio Pierce), todos dijimos que íbamos a dejarlo todo en el campo por él y demostrar que podíamos jugar bien en las tres fases".
La defensa de Las Vegas se fajó de gran manera, interceptando en dos ocasiones al mariscal de campo suplente de Nueva York Tommy DeVito durante los últimos cuatro minutos de la primera mitad por conducto de Nate Hobbs y Amik Robertson, obteniendo 10 puntos provenientes de estas pérdidas de balón. Las ocho intercepciones de los Raiders en los primeros nueve partidos del 2023 son la mayor cantidad desde que tuvieron diez en la temporada 2020.
"Necesitamos seguir construyendo nuestra confianza como una unidad, como un equipo", aseguró el esquinero Amik Robertson, quien consiguió su segunda intercepción de la campaña. "Estoy haciendo mi trabajo en el esquema y en el momento en el que ví el balón supe que era mío".
Las ocho capturas de mariscal de campo que los Raiders consiguieron ante los Gigantes marcaron son la mayor cantidad que han conseguido desde que tuvieron diez ante los Halcones Marinos de Seattle el 31 de Octubre del 2010. Maxx Crosby encabezó a los Malosos con 3, aumentando su total en la temporada a 9.5 con 8 partidos por disputarse. Uniéndose a la fiesta también estuvieron incluídos los linieros Adam Butler, Bilal Nichols, Malcolm Koonce y Tyree Wilson, el linebacker Robert Spillane, y el safety Tre'von Moehrig.
Los equipos especiales también se merecen los halagos de la Nación Raider, con Daniel Carlson conectando los tres goles de campo que intentó en el partido y con A.J. Cole promediando 63.6 yardas en 5 patadas de despeje, el promedio más grande en la historia durante un partido de la NFL (con al menos 4 patadas). La escuadra de cobertura en regresos de patada limitó a Nueva York a un promedio de 22 yardas en cinco patadas de salida y un promedio de 11 yardas en 3 patadas de despeje.
Una tarde redonda fue la que se vivió en el Allegiant Stadium frente a un rival al que los Raiders deberían de derrotar. La dificultad del reto para Las Vegas incrementará el próximo domingo cuando sean anfitrión de otro equipo de Nueva York en los Jets, quienes presumen la sexta mejor defensa aérea y anotadora en la NFL. La motivación sigue a la alza para Las Vegas con nuevos aires en los hombres que encabezan el staff de coacheo (Pierce), directiva (Champ Kelly) y la ofensiva (O'Connell y Bo Hardegree). Se les presentará una gran oportunidad de regresar a marca de .500 y dejar una buena impresión al jugar de nueva cuenta en horario estelar de domingo por la noche.
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.
