Antonio Pierce on Raiders’ 10th Consecutive Loss: ‘We Need a Break, We Need a Prayer’
Former Raiders linebacker Antonio Pierce has expressed his frustration and concern following the team’s dismal 10th consecutive loss, a 24-0 shutout against the New Orleans Saints. Pierce, who spent five seasons with the Raiders from 2009 to 2013, shared his thoughts on the current state of the franchise.
A Season of Struggles
The Raiders have endured a tumultuous season, marred by injuries, poor play, and a lack of consistency. They have failed to win a single game since their Week 1 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The latest loss against the Saints was particularly disheartening, as the Raiders were held scoreless for the first time since 2014.
Pierce’s Plea for Divine Intervention
In the wake of the defeat, Pierce took to social media to express his disappointment and to call for a change in fortunes. “We need a break, we need a prayer,” Pierce wrote. “We need something to happen. We’re fighting, but we’re not getting anywhere.” Pierce’s words resonated with many Raiders fans, who have grown weary of the team’s struggles.
Offensive Woes
One of the primary issues for the Raiders has been their anemic offense. They have scored the fewest points in the NFL this season, averaging just 14.9 points per game. Quarterback Derek Carr has struggled to find a rhythm, and the running game has been largely ineffective. The lack of offensive production has put immense pressure on the defense, which has often been left exposed.
Defense Under Pressure
Despite the offensive struggles, the Raiders’ defense has shown signs of improvement. They have allowed an average of 23.1 points per game, which is 12th in the NFL. However, the defense has been unable to generate enough turnovers or create big plays to help the offense.
Lack of Discipline
Another factor contributing to the Raiders’ struggles has been a lack of discipline. They have committed the most penalties in the NFL this season, with 99 accepted flags. The penalties have extended drives, given opponents free yards, and cost the Raiders valuable field position.
Looking Ahead
The Raiders have a tough road ahead of them, with seven games remaining on their schedule. They face a challenging matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 before taking on the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. With a 2-9 record, the Raiders have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but they will need to find a way to turn things around quickly.
Pierce’s Optimism
Despite the team’s struggles, Pierce remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the Raiders have the talent and potential to turn things around. “We have a lot of young guys on this team,” Pierce said. “They’re learning and they’re growing. We just need to find a way to get them over the hump.” Pierce’s words offer a glimmer of hope for Raiders fans, who are desperate for a change in fortunes.
The Raiders will return to action on Sunday, November 20th, when they host the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. They will need to play their best game of the season if they want to break their losing streak and give their fans something to cheer about.