Earlier this week, former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce was named the interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. He previously served as the linebackers coach for the organization and was promoted when Josh McDaniels was fired.
Although Pierce’s pro days were spent on the East Coast, he is originally from California and says he was “born a Raider.” When asked about facing his former team this week, Pierce reiterated that this game isn’t about him.
“It’s not Antonio Pierce versus the New York Giants. (It’s the) Las Vegas Raiders versus the Giants, coming to our house,” he said. “A much-needed win for us. We’ve had two ugly losses. It’s time to change that. We’re in the second half of the season.
“It doesn’t matter what or who Antonio Pierce played for. It’s about the Las Vegas Raiders. Those players understand that. This is about them. It ain’t about me.”
Indeed, it isn’t about him, although the media enjoys creating a story where it can. This game is about the players on the field, and the Giants are facing a Raiders team that no one has seen yet.
Preparation can only be taken so far when there’s no film to help tailor plays. The best Brian Daboll & Co. can do is watch old Purdue film and see what Aidan O’Connell did there. But that was a different coach with a different line and different receivers. The comparison doesn’t really translate.
It’s not about Antonio Pierce, but it is about the decisions he makes. Let’s hope that Daboll is ready to counter whatever Pierce throws at the Giants this Sunday in Las Vegas.
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