The Las Vegas Raiders were able to keep their playoff hopes alive with a huge victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16 on Christmas Day. Las Vegas pulled off the upset, 20-14, in unorthodox fashion.
The only touchdowns that the Raiders scored in the game came courtesy of their defense. A fumble recovery for a touchdown by Bilal Nichols and a pick-six by Jack Jones on the very next play from scrimmage was the only touchdowns Las Vegas had in the afternoon.
It was a dominant showing by that unit, as they held Patrick Mahomes and company in check. For a defensive-minded person such as interim head coach Antonio Pierce, that kind of performance has to warm his heart.
NFL News & Rumors: Antonio Pierce, Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders Updates
But, there is still a lot of work to do for the Raiders, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Zamir White was excellent in place of the injured Josh Jacobs, rushing for 145 yards. However, he was responsible for over 70 percent of the offense as the team got nothing from quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
Getting the victory over the Chiefs was shocking as O’Connell didn’t move the ball through the air at all. He had 62 passing yards in the first quarter and ended the game with the same amount as he didn’t complete a pass the remainder of the game.
He is the first quarterback in Raiders history since JaMarcus Russell to have 10 incompletions in a row. That kind of performance is one that would normally get a player benched, but Pierce took the high road when talking about his rookie quarterback.
Pierce praised O’Connell for being able to stay composed despite his struggles. He didn’t force any throws, as the interim head coach made a lofty comparison when noticing how O’Connell carried himself in the game.
“I’m going to say it because I can relate. It’s Eli [Eli Manning], man,” Pierce said of O’Connell’s poise against the Chiefs during his December 26 media availability. “It’s just like, you good? ‘Yeah, I’m good.’ No, like you’re good? Second quarter. ‘Yeah, I’m good.’ Third quarter. Fourth quarter. ‘We ain’t complete a ball yet, you good?’ He’sstill good. That shocked me yesterday because I wanted to see if I was going to see that look in his eye.” (H/T Heavy)
NFL News & Rumors: Antonio Pierce, Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders Updates
Now that is some high praise for O’Connell from Pierce. Eli Manning is a two-time Super Bowl winner and MVP from his time with the New York Giants, one ring of which Pierce led the defense.
While O’Connell’s performance leaves a lot to be desired, there were some positives to take away. As Pierce pointed out, he didn’t have a meltdown despite the circumstances. Also, for the second straight game, O’Connell didn’t commit a turnover, which was integral to pulling off the upset despite lackluster production.
O’Connell didn’t compound the problems by turning the ball over. That enabled the Raiders to move to 7-8 on the season, setting up a huge game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. If Las Vegas wants any hopes of making the postseason, that is a game they have to win.
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