Antonio Pierce has been trying to make the Raiders a run-first team team since the day he was named head coach, but through 11 games this year they have been the least effective running team in the NFL.
The Raiders’ 821 total rushing yards is lowest in the NFL and their 3.6 yards-per-carry average is also worst in the league.
Pierce has talked about sticking with the running game in recent weeks, but on Sunday against the Broncos the Raiders attempted 53 passes and called only 13 designed runs.
After the game, Pierce was asked by The Athletic‘s Vic Tafur if the Raiders should have gotten the running game going a little more, and Pierce didn’t mince words in his response.
“Of course. I don’t want to see the ball thrown 40 times,” Pierce said in an obviously aggravated tone. “I’ve said that like a thousand times, but that been kind of our MO. Actually, it was 53 today.”
Pierce didn’t directly throw anyone under the bus, but it’s clear he wasn’t thrilled with the offensive play-calling against the Broncos.
As far as any improvements are concerned, the Raiders got a 19-yard run from Sincere McCormick, but outside of that carry they averaged 3.5 yards per carry against the Broncos – essentially the same running effectiveness that they have achieved all year.
It’s a tough spot offensive coordinator Scott Turner is in right now because the running game isn’t effective and there doesn’t appear to be a starting-caliber quarterback on the roster. Gardner Minshew looked overwhelmed by the Broncos defense for most of the game and he doesn’t have the skill set to put pressure on opposing defenses.
Aidan O’Connell is expected to return from injury next week, but it’s hard to imagine the offense is going to look a lot different with a new signal caller. O’Connell is more accurate and has more size than Minshew, but he is a lot less mobile, and the Las Vegas offensive line isn’t ideal for a quarterback who can’t move around.
Next up for the Raiders is the Kansas City Chiefs on ‘Black Friday’ at Arrowhead.
x: @raidersbeat
we don’t have a run game, cause you don’t have a running back to do it. If you wanted a running game why did you let Jacobs leave????
Antonio Pierce just isn’t ready to be a head coach.
The RAIDERS want to establish the run, yet they let go of Josh Jacobs? Go figure.
This comment by AP proves he doesnt have a handle on the teams biggest weakness. They really cant run the ball. Why would you keep forcing it. They actually looked competitive with the offensive plan they had. I was never down for Pierce to begin with but I think he has to go. We have too many great coaches in the AFC WEST to compete with a rookie HC. Obviously he isnt the entire problem but hes a fair part of it.
Sincere ran great and then they’d pull him. Didn’t make sense with 4 minutes to go and we end up throwing – throwing the ball away.
Typical Raider stuff. They needed a Jim Harbaugh, but opted for Pierce. They needed a franchise qb, so they sign Minshew. The Last Vegas Raiders are a joke of a franchise. This current group of coaches and players will never win a playoff game. Ever