3 reasons the Raiders must bring back Antonio Pierce as head coach
By Daniel Davis
Defense performed better under Pierce
The Raiders defense has been a sore spot for the last few years. The failed attempt by Josh McDaniels to lay the blame on Derek Carr's shoulders was always due to ignorance and lack of self-accountability for a poor coaching scheme.
Using the same defense, Pierce was able to stuff the Chiefs and score two touchdowns on defense leading the Raiders to a close win against their hated rival. Even better? The win was at Arrowhead. In the games that Antonio Pierce took over, the Raiders defense was ranked first at just 16 points per game.
The entire time Josh McDaniels was in charge, the Raiders ranked 28th.
The Raiders ranked 1st in the NFL with only 16 points allowed per game since Pierce took over.
— Keith Ricci (@KeithRicci) January 8, 2024
They were ranked 23rd when McDaniels was fired. And ranked 28th in the NFL during his 25-game tenure.
A former defensive player himself, Pierce brought intensity and commanded respect as the coach leading the defense to perform better. One thing I noticed on film was the willingness to move Maxx Crosby around on the field.
Crosby played LE and RE as well as NT on a few plays and even stood up some plays. The secondary was much better coached, the linebackers were hitting holes, and the defense line was aggressive at getting to the quarterback more. It was a complete rebirth for this defense, and you have to be excited about what the future holds on that side of the ball.
Hopefully, the team can get Patrick Graham back in 2024 as well.