It seems widely accepted that the Raiders have been bad this season, but head coach Antonio Pierce called the Raiders “the worst team in football” in a press conference.
The Raiders are 2-9, tied for the worst record in the NFL with the Giants and Jaguars, so it's not too surprising that Las Vegas is named the worst team.
What's surprising is that it's coming from the team's head coach.
Pearce was talking about changing the narrative about the team ahead of Black Friday's game against the Chiefs on Prime Video.
“Let's call a spade a spade. The best team in soccer will face off against the worst team in soccer.” Pierce said Wednesday. “Let’s change the narrative. Let’s go out and make it dogfights, let’s make it ugly, let’s make it rough.
“Today is Black Friday. Let's cause a little chaos, get back to Raider football, have some fun and individuality. Let loose.”
The Raiders will have the difficult task of defeating the 10-1 Chiefs the day after Thanksgiving.
Friday's game will feature Aidan O'Connell at center, making Gardner Minshew's narrow return after missing the rest of the season with a broken collarbone.
“We feel really good about Aidan. He's dialed in,” Pearce said. via Pro Football Talk. “Obviously, this entire time he's been on IR, he's been in every meeting. He's been so encouraging on the sideline. He's got that laser eye focus now. It's a great opportunity for him.”
O'Connell took over the starter's spot from Minshew in Week 6, but went down with a broken thumb in Week 7.
“He acted like a starter. Even when he went on IR, he acted like a starter. He did it when he was a reserve,” Pierce said. “He's done a great job of engaging with the players on the sideline and in the meeting room. He's the one who speaks up and speaks. You just have to look him in the eye. Look at his demeanor. please.”
