Antonio Pierce Insists Raiders Aren’t Tanking They Just Aren’t ‘A Good Team’

There was some optimism coming into the season for the Las Vegas Raiders, especially after how the team ended last year under Antonio Pierce as interim coach. With Pierce taking the role permanently, there was hope they would build on the momentum from last season.

However, that has not been the case, as the Raiders have gotten off to a 2-5 start, and if things don’t turn around soon, this season will be another lost one. Some have wondered whether the Raiders wouldn’t be better off tanking the rest of this season for a higher draft pick, likely to bring in a quarterback, but that is not something Pierce is doing.

The head coach recently spoke on this, saying that the season isn’t over and the Raiders aren’t trying to tank, but Pierce simply believes they’re losing because they aren’t a good team right now, via Ezekiel Trezevant of ABC4.com:

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to be 2-5,” Pierce said. “I’d like to see that flipped. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to live in reality, and that’s what we’re dealing with. Again, like I said, a lot of the league is dealing with the same stuff – injuries, turnovers, just being inconsistent. All of us can get better, myself included.

“And I think as we keep going through this, there’s still a lot of football left. The season’s not over. We’re not tanking. We’re not trying to lose games to do anything better for the future. Hell, we’re trying to be the best team we can. And right now, we’re not a good team.”

Injuries have certainly taken a toll on the Raiders, with the likes of Christian Wilkins, Aidan O’Connell, Michael Mayer, and Jakobi Meyers all missing multiple contests. However, as Pierce said, many teams are dealing with these issues, and the Raiders simply have to be better.

The most important thing is that the Raiders won’t be tanking. Both Pierce and star defensive end Maxx Crosby have spoken against that idea, and it looks as if this team is going to do everything in its power to turn this season around and make a run to the postseason.

Antonio Pierce says it’s “Business as Usual” for Raiders Following Davante Adams Trade

Something else that has played a significant role in the Raiders’ struggles this season was the saga that went on with Davante Adams. The receiver was dealing with an injury in his last couple weeks with the team before being dealt away to the New York Jets.

But Pierce said it was “business as usual” for the Raiders following the deal, and the team needs a next-man-up mentality. Pierce added that it’s impossible to replace someone like Adams, but the Raiders were focused on just being the best versions of themselves.