Tafur Antonio Pierce Christmas gift win over Chiefs step closer full-time job

Antonio Pierce's halftime speech inspires Raiders in upset win over Chiefs. Defense dominates, and players believe he should be head coach.

Antonio Pierce secured the Las Vegas Raiders full-time head coaching job on Christmas Day. There were several defining moments in the game that solidified his position. One was when Jack Jones intercepted Patrick Mahomes and ran into the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Raiders up 17-7. Another was when Travis Kelce expressed his frustration by flinging his helmet in disgust. However, the defining moment came at halftime when Pierce delivered a motivational speech to his players, igniting a fire under them and making the halftime chat with the sideline TV reporter interesting. His words "squeeze them by their throat" resonated with the team, signaling a return to the Raiders' badass roots.

Although owner Mark Davis has to go through a formal hiring process before making the decision official, the players believe that Pierce is their guy. The Raiders' victory over the defending Super Bowl champs, with their quarterback not completing a pass in the last three quarters, showcased Pierce's leadership. The team's defensive line and young players have shown remarkable improvement under Pierce's coaching. The team's defensive touchdowns and strong performance on both sides of the ball reflect the impact of Pierce's leadership.

Pierce's approach to coaching has been a stark contrast to the previous regime, instilling a sense of care and empowerment among the players. The victory in Kansas City was a testament to the Raiders' resurgence under Pierce's leadership. His emotional reaction at the end of the game reflected the significance of the win, not just for the team but for him as well. This victory marked a new era for the Raiders, a return to their roots and a promising future under Pierce's guidance.