Antonio Pierce dijo que solo quería un regalo de Navidad: ganar.
"Yo creo, nosotros creemos", dijo Pierce a su equipo en el vestidor tras el triunfo. "Esto es lo que hacemos. Fumemos (nuestros puros), hablemos lo nuestro, hagámoslo la 'Raider Way'".
Los Malosos le cumplieron el deseo a su entrenador en jefe interino al vencer a los Jefes en Kansas City por marcador final de 20 a 14, deteniendo su racha de seis derrotas frente a los campeones defensores del Super Bowl. No fue fácil, pero lograron hacerlo y con ello mantener encendida la posibilidad de calificar a la postemporada.
"Cada vez que venimos a Arrowhead (Stadium) sabemos que vamos a tener que pelear y desgarrarnos, eso es lo que todos hicimos", declaró el ala defensiva Maxx Crosby. "Estoy orgulloso de todos los involucrados, es un día hermoso. Es una victoria enorme, son triunfos consecutivos ante rivales divisionales. Estamos jugando buen fútbol americano y necesitamos seguir mejorando".
La defensa fue el corazón y alma para Las Vegas de principio a fin, arrancando el juego con un tres y fuera por novena ocasión esta temporada, dejando sin mover las cadenas a Kansas City en sus primeras dos series y limitando la producción de los Jefes en -18 yardas durante el primer cuarto, la menor cantidad de yardas permitidas en un cuarto de la NFL en los últimos 19 años.
La única serie ofensiva de los Raiders que duró por encima de 4 minutos, 7 jugadas y 25 yardas fue su segunda del partido, donde abrieron el marcador con un gol de campo de Daniel Carlson de 24 yardas tras avanzar 87 yardas en 15 jugadas durante 8 minutos con 44 segundos de acción. En dicha posesión, Aidan O'Connell completó 9 pases, yéndose el resto del partido sin conectar con ninguno de sus receptores al errar sus últimos 10 intentos. La ofensiva lleva cinco cuartos consecutivos sin encontrar la zona de anotación. A final de cuentas, el ataque de los Raiders no tuvo pérdidas de balón, con Aidan O'Connell evitando lanzar una intercepción por tercera vez en los últimos cuatro juegos.
"Definitivamente dejé jugadas en el campo que quiero de regreso", aseveró O'Connell. "Necesitamos ejecutar en tercera, segunda y primera oportunidad para mantenernos por delante de los marcadores lo mayor posible. Veremos el video, lo evaluaremos. Pero hay veces donde tienes que aprender a ganar partidos así, estoy muy orgulloso de nuestros jugadores y entrenadores que hicimos esto".
Eso no fue impedimento para que los Malosos consiguieran touchdowns, ya que la defensa de Las Vegas se puso al equipo en sus hombros al anotar puntos en jugadas consecutivas durante el segundo cuarto para cambiar un déficit de 7-3 a una ventaja de 17-7. Primero, con un balón suelto recuperado por Bilal Nichols que regresó 8 yardas a las diagonales, seguido por Jack Jones interceptando a Patrick Mahomes y llevándose el ovoide 33 yardas para conseguir un 'pick-6' por segundo partido consecutivo. Ambos touchdowns defensivos se dieron en un lapso de solo siete segundos.
De las 21 pérdidas de balón generadas por Las Vegas esta temporada, 13 se han dado en los ocho juegos desde que Antonio Pierce fue elegido como el entrenador en jefe interino del equipo previo a la semana nueve. El olfato de robarle el ovoide al rival está activo, lo cual le ayuda a los Raiders para tener posesiones adicionales, o en el caso de 5 de esos turnovers terminando con la defensa en la zona de anotación. Los cinco touchdowns defensivos de los Raiders en el 2023 son la tercera mayor cantidad durante una temporada en la historia de la franquicia.
Los Malosos se fueron al medio tiempo con una ventaja de 17-7 y acabó siendo suficiente para ganar, ya que la defensa permitió solo 308 yardas, la tercera menor cantidad conseguida por el ataque de Kansas City en el 2023. Los 14 puntos anotados por los Jefes siendo la segunda menor cifra que han conseguido en un juego esta campaña. Malcolm Koonce fue un dolor de cabeza para Patrick Mahomes, al cual capturó en tres ocasiones durante el partido. Koonce pasó de tener cuatro capturas de mariscal de campo en sus primeros 35 juegos en la NFL, a tener cinco en sus últimos dos partidos que lo tienen con siete en la actual temporada y nueve en su carrera.
Zamir White vio acción como corredor titular de los Raiders de nueva cuenta al estar inactivo por una lesión de cuádriceps Josh Jacobs. 'Zeus' se lució al acumular 145 yardas en 22 acarreos, incluyendo 3 acarreos para 64 yardas en la última serie con la que Las Vegas selló el triunfo al mover las cadenas dos veces por medio del producto de la Universidad de Georgia.
"Simplemente necesitaba continuar siendo paciente, confiando en mis linieros", dijo White. "Esperé mi turno, trabajé duro. Con la ayuda de Josh (Jacobs) y el resto de los corredores, salí e hice lo mío, divirtiéndome mientras lo hice".
El tirar la toalla no forma parte del ADN de estos Raiders. Mientras hubo gente hace un par de semanas enfocada en hacer cálculos para ver qué posición del draft potencialmente le tocaría al equipo, dentro del edificio el objetivo sigue siendo el obtener victorias y ahora ha ganado cuatro de los siete partidos en los que Pierce los ha dirigido para seguir con la oportunidad de que el siguiente juego siga teniendo un significado importante y esa prueba será contra los Potros en Indianápolis. El trabajo seguirá siendo intenso y buscarán seguir compitiendo para que el partido de la semana 18 en el Estadio Allegiant frente a los Broncos sea potencialmente una gran fiesta para la Raider Nation.
"Lo que todo mundo está viendo en este equipo Raider es un grupo que está jugando junto, se está divirtiendo juntos, amándose los unos a los otros, jugando con un propósito más grande" aseguro Pierce. "Tienen la voluntad de ganar, luchar para ganar, nunca se rinden."
La defensa de los Raiders salió al Estadio Arrowhead con la misión de detener a Patrick Mahomes y la cumplieron. Detuvieron al "Mago", pararon "el show" y ahora esto podrá servirles de gran motivacion para buscar replicar lo que el equipo hizo en el 2021: ganar los últimos cuatro partidos de la campana para terminar con marca ganadora y colarse a la postemporada.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) recovers a fumble for an 8-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) recovers a fumble for an 8-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) recovers a fumble for an 8-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) celebrates with defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) after recovering a fumble for an 8-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) returns an interception for a 33-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) returns an interception for a 33-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) returns an interception for a 33-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) rushes for two-point conversion during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (72) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) and running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 35-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70), center Andre James (68) and guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) and running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
