The Las Vegas Raiders look very different under Antonio Pierce, which is partly due to the performance of a few key players. These guys are going above and beyond under the new regime, resulting in a better team. Here are five Las Vegas Raiders thriving in the Antonio Pierce Era.
#5 Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
One of Josh McDaniels’ biggest crimes as head coach is probably not working Hunter Renfrow into his game plan. Instead, the wide receiver kept falling down the depth chart and didn’t get a lot of targets. There was even some talk of trading him to get draft picks from other teams.
Fast forward to 2023, and Renfrow is seeing more action under Antonio Pierce. He is arguably still underutilized, given his speed, but climbing the depth chart is a step in the right direction. It will also help raise trust in the receiver as the season goes on. Maybe he could even become one of Aidan O’Connell’s preferred targets.
#4 Joshua Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders running back
The Las Vegas Raiders’ running game is finally coming back alive, and Joshua Jacobs is why. He is doing much better under Antonio Pierce, which has helped him climb back into the top ten in rushing yards. Jacobs’ improved performance also seems to be taking the pressure off of Aidan O’Connel to always make big plays.
Jacobs isn’t putting up the same numbers as last year when he won the leading rusher award, but his improvement is a great sign that the offense is moving forward. It might also point to Jacobs staying with the Raiders long-term like he originally wanted to.
Either way, Jacobs looks like a new guy with Pierce as the head coach and is flourishing late in the season. O’Connell can also rely on him in challenging situations, making for excellent chemistry.
#3 Robert Spillane, Las Vegas Raiders linebacker
Robert Spillane is becoming a very dangerous man on defense in The Antonio Pierce Era. In fact, Spillane has accumulated 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two stuffs, an interception and two pat-downs. The man is putting up great numbers for the Raiders’ defense, and it needs to be recognized when it comes to rebuilding this part of the ball.
He is slowly becoming a consistent and reliable defense member, which is sorely needed on that side of the ball. The fact that he can bring down interceptions and force fumbles just makes him even more dangerous. He looks hungry to prove himself to his new coach, and it’s working!
The Raiders need a man who can bat passes down, force fumbles, and get those game-changing interceptions. One could even say he is becoming an example of the kind of mentality the defense needs. It will be interesting to see how Spillane does in the season’s final stretch. He’ll hopefully be rewarded for his efforts.
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#2 Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback
Nate Hobbs is another critical player making the most of their time in the post-Josh McDaniels era. He is already one of the best defensive pieces on the team but seems more willing to prove it after the regime change. He is at least putting up numbers that are helping the Raiders’ defense in their time of need.
The guy is impacting the defense and doing his part to force a turnover. Remember that the Raiders are one of the worst teams in the league in forcing turnovers, which is why guys like Hobbs are so refreshing.
#1 Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Michael Mayer is thriving under Antonio Pierce. He’s getting utilized in crucial situations and is arguably more consistent. Aidan ‘O’Connell even seems to be using him as a primary receiver.
Pierce knows that Mayer has been underutilized this season, which might be why he is focusing on him. Many opposing defenses probably overlook Mayer due to his inexperience, but that’s the perfect opportunity to strike. He has the speed, the size, and the power to make those big catches.
Mayer most likely has a promising future ahead of him with the Raiders if he can stay healthy. He also needs to improve his completions to remain a reliable receiver.
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