Raiders HC Antonio Pierce explains novel approach to defending Patrick Mahomes

#Raiders HC Antonio Pierce explained Las Vegas’ new approach to defending Patrick Mahomes.

Every team in the AFC West aims to find a way to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs and dethrone their dominance over the division. The six consecutive AFC West champions have had their way with the rest of the division, with the other three teams consistently retooling in the offseason.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce experienced some success against the Chiefs in 2023 with his shocking victory at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day. The outspoken former linebacker spoke with Maxx Crosby on his podcast “The Rush” about his special rules for facing Patrick Mahomes.

“We’ve got the Jordan rules and what I’m calling, from now on as long as I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes rules,” Pierce said. “You remember when Jordan was going through it with the Pistons? All those guys in the ’80s; before he became Michael Jordan, Air Jordan, the Pistons used to whip his [expletive].

“Any time he came to the hole? Elbows, feeling him, love taps. We touched him. We’re in the head, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually; I’m touching you. So, I showed those guys Jordan getting his ass whooped.”

The Jordan Rules were created by the infamous 1980s Detroit Pistons in the NBA to slow down Michael Jordan’s effectiveness on offense. Pierce comparing Mahomes to Jordan is highly praised and shows an interesting mindset to be extra physical in their matchups.

Crosby has already demonstrated his willingness to get chippy with Mahomes, so it appears the plan is well underway.