La pasión se vio en el campo. Mientras la defensa ha sido el alma y corazón de los Raiders en la temporada 2023, el equipo jugó fútbol americano complementario en su último partido de la campaña para derrotar a los Broncos 27-14 en el Estadio Allegiant.
"Hablamos del equipo. De jugar el uno por el otro", dijo el entrenador en jefe interino Antonio Pierce durante su discurso en el vestidor tras la victoria. "Lo hablamos por un tiempo: el equipo, el jugar el uno por el otro y hacerlo de la manera correcta. Pasión, contabilidad y divertirse. La confianza en sus compañeros, en sus entrenadores, en ustedes mismos, confiar en el proceso y creer en él, haciéndolo juntos. Todos los escépticos no importan. No queremos gustarle a todos, queremos ser respetados. Estuvimos cerca, no entramos a la palabra de la 'p' (postemporada), pero (la meta) está ahí."
Si bien los Malosos entraron a su juego de la semana 18 sin la oportunidad de contender por un sitio en la postemporada, el conjunto negro y plata tomó el emparrillado con la intención de dejar con un buen sabor de boca a su afición y de darle su voto de confianza a Pierce, quien ahora pasará por el proceso de entrevistas junto a otros candidatos para convertirse en el entrenador en jefe del equipo, sin la etiqueta de 'interino'.
"Me estaba divirtiendo como entrenador de linebackers, eso fue genial. Pero es realmente increíble ser el entrenador en jefe de los Raiders de Las Vegas", declaró Pierce tras el triunfo. "El estar frente a un vestidor de hombres que creen en ti y en lo que les estás diciendo, en el cómo hacer las cosas, el hacerlo de una manera diferente a como todos esperan que las hagas, eso es increíble".
Esta fue la quinta victoria en los nueve partidos desde que A.P. Tomó el timón de los Malosos desde su duelo de la semana nueve ante los Gigantes, terminando con marca de cinco triunfos y cuatro descalabros en ese lapso, donde Aidan O'Connell recibió el voto de confianza para ser el mariscal de campo titular en todos ellos. En la última prueba de su temporada de novato, el ex-elemento de la Universidad de Purdue lanzó para 244 yardas en 20 pases completos y 2 anotaciones, marcando su cuarto partido consecutivo sin tener una perdida de balón.
"En un partido como este, es nuestra última vez como equipo", aseguró O'Connell. "Creo que no es difícil levantarse (de la cama) para un juego como este y estar preparado para él porque quieres terminar de una buena forma. Quieres terminar la temporada haciendo una declaración. Pienso que nuestros muchachos hicieron eso. Tuvimos una muy buena semana de prácticas y creo que realmente disfrutamos estar juntos, y fue muy divertido ser parte de ello".
Jakobi Meyers cerró con broche de oro su primera temporada con los Malosos, encontrando la zona de anotación en un par de ocasiones. En primera instancia por tierra en el primer cuarto y posteriormente por medio de una recepción en el tercero, con ello llegó a once touchdowns con los Raiders en el 2023, superando los diez que tuvo entre sus primeros sesenta juegos en la NFL. Es una navaja suiza, donde a pesar de que su trabajo primordial es el de ser un receptor, también le ayudó a Las Vegas en puntos claves con acarreos y pases que terminaron en puntos para el equipo.
No es difícil para elementos como 'Kobi' el terminar su dia con una motivación de ser mejor al tener en el mismo vestidor a un jugador como Davante Adams, quien culminó su temporada sumando 5 recepciones para 46 yardas y una anotación contra los Broncos, con su acumulado de toda la campaña siendo de 103 recepciones para 1144 yardas y ocho anotaciones, marcando su cuarta temporada consecutiva donde consiguió tanto al menos 100 recepciones, al igual que mil yardas o más. Si bien, el equipo no pudo colarse a la postemporada, a 'Tae' le gusta lo que vio de su escuadra.
"Es la mejor moral de un equipo en el que he estado donde hemos quedado eliminados de la postemporada", aseveró Adams. "Nunca estás feliz cuando se termina la temporada, típicamente solo un equipo lo está (el campeón). Pero donde estamos como equipo y el sentimiento de hacia dónde vamos, definitivamente es un mejor sentimiento. Hemos demostrado que podemos ser un muy buen equipo, el potencial de este equipo está dejando nuestra mente en un buen lugar".
La defensa se sigue llevando la mayor cantidad de las flores de esta temporada 2023, con la unidad dirigida por el coordinador Patrick Graham sumando su octavo partido del año en el que limitaron a sus rivales debajo de 20 puntos anotados, algo que la franquicia no había hecho en una campaña desde el 2000. Acumularon cinco capturas de mariscal de campo, limitaron al ataque terrestre de Denver a solo 48 yardas y generaron la única perdida de balón del partido con una intercepción de Tre'von Moehrig en la última jugada ofensiva de los Broncos.
"Tenemos un gran vestidor, grandes chicos, tipos que aman el fútbol americano", dijo el ala defensiva estrella Maxx Crosby. "Especialmente durante la segunda mitad de la temporada, lo sientes y lo ves. Estábamos volando y jugando en un gran nivel. Necesitamos seguir con ese impetu y continuar en la dirección correcta".
Ahora viene el momento de la verdad para aquellos que toman decisiones en los Raiders, ya que al terminar la temporada llegará el proceso de analizar la baraja de entrenadores en los que tienen interés de tomar el puesto con los Malosos del 2024 en adelante. Por supuesto que Antonio Pierce se ganó a pulso con lo demostrado en emparrillado que merece ser considerado como una opción real, pero la liga no permite solo quitar etiquetas de interinos a entrenadores en jefe, se tienen que realizar entrevistas con múltiples candidatos y después tomar la decisión.
La Raider Nation definitivamente disfrutó el ver a la mejor defensa negro y plata en las ultimas dos decadas sobre el emparrillado, pero se quiere regresar a los tiempos de gloria y en los proximos dias, semanas, o poco mas se espera que se tome la decisión correcta para que eso suceda.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) after rushing for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 49-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (72) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a 33-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates after kicking a PAT during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 21-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan and cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Jim Plunkett in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
