The Ultimate Team of Warriors

In what’s been a crazy three seasons for the Las Vegas Raiders. The tumbleweeds rolled in the desert like quiet ghost town. Ex-Head Coach Josh McDaniels was fired shortly after the Monday Night Football loss to Detroit. Players were speechless as to what went wrong in the playcalling. Everyone had seen enough and checked out on Josh McDaniels. If you told me the “Patriot Way” was going to work in Las Vegas, I’m taking that bet and would’ve cashed my winnings.

For this to be done midway through the season, it salvages what stench was left behind. Players were timid of Josh McDaniels, his tactics of being a Bill Belichick prototype didn’t roll over well in the locker room. This further validates Josh McDaniels isn’t a head coach. He didn’t speak the “Just Win Baby” mantra as the late Al Davis built during the apex of the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders in the 1980s.

Enter Antonio Pierce, former linebacker, and Super Bowl winning champion. Introduced midweek, you could tell how excited he was with this opportunity. As he spoke to the media, the energy and vibes had shifted. Talking about being from Compton, California and how he grew up watching the Raiders. Listening to N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton” album. He talked the language Raiders fans wanted to hear hardcore, tough and sharp edged. None of this scripted nonsense of “Patriot Way.” Antonio spoke with confidence in giving fans hope the nostalgia was returning.

It will bring many challenges for Coach Pierce and the Raiders. As they look to make a playoff push, can he man the ship and protect the shield? Winning his first game over the team he played for New York Giants 30-6. You may say: “oh, it’s the Giants.” Well… You play the schedule given and must win that game. As this ship sails into
November and beyond: Jets fly into Sin City for a Sunday Night Football showdown. Won’t be an easy game with the Jets defense is very good, whereas the offense has sputtered a little. Winnable game with an average quarterback in Zach Wilson. Overall: Win.

Sail to Miami and take on the fastest show on grass. Putting the anchors on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle comes with great responsibility in slowing down both receivers. This could be the game which Las Vegas will have to score 35 points to keep pace with Miami’s barrage of motion offensive plays based off the pass. Adjust to the
adjustment and keep it close as possible. Result: Loss

The biggest game of this schedule: hosting Kansas City in what will be a must win to keep this ship afloat. A divisional matchup with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid. Fans will reap in joy if Vegas were to beat Kansas City. Chiefs are beatable as we witnessed Denver handing their second loss of 2023. To win this game and in a timely manner, takeaway Travis Kelce. It’s the only option if your goal is to get a BIG divisional win over the team who’s ran everyone out the stadium. Not an easy task, which the odds will bet against you. Just like the
Miami game, you must keep it close and see the light at the end. Result: Win.

Another home game with Minnesota; a team who’s going to need every win possible to keep afloat themselves. Could be a very low scoring game in which it’ll boil down to quarterbacks and defensive stops. Vikings defense has been solid, but Vegas is as equal to the field. Should Justin Jefferson return by then, it’s a different game. Expect a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs to wear the Vikings down early on. Don’t give up the chunk plays and build a lead on Minnesota. Getaway with a close win and get ready for the remaining divisional games. Result: Win.

A short maiden voyage to Los Angeles to play the Chargers on a short week. This could very easily go either way, considering the familiarity of both teams. Vegas will be at a huge disadvantage offensively and defensively. Justin Herbert has played very well against the Raiders and will look to continue that trend. But… the two dead bolts in Head Coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will hand you a fully charged battery in which you must sail away with. Do this and you’ll be in good shape headed to Kansas City for a Christmas Day
matchup in Arrowhead Stadium. Result: Win.

The voyage sails into Kansas City in what could be a wonderful Christmas or be stolen by The Grinch. You’re very familiar with the environment and how loud it’ll be. Weather likely plays a factor as the field will be cold and brittle. Find the weakness in Kansas City’s defense, which is their secondary. Attack it early and often; slow down the Chiefs pass rush and get rid of the ball quickly. Kansas City will be looking to secure the top seed in the AFC and play with urgency. It’ll be cringy to watch, but this feels like Kansas City will get the win in a blowout. Result: Loss.

Staying in the Midwest, a short trip to Indianapolis and play the Colts on New Year’s Eve; in what could be to clinch a playoff berth. Vegas has the underachieving roster and will keep their playoff hopes alive. Indianapolis with first year head coach Shane Steichen also looks to keep his team in the playoff race. Indoor conditions won’t be a factor; but the home crowd will be rocking. This is the playoffs in hindsight; win this game and secure a berth. Lose and will need help from other teams. You don’t want to bet on: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland
Browns to help you out. With the chips pushed to the middle of the table, play a full deck, sand leave with an impressive win. Result: Win.

The ship makes it back home to conclude a tough road trip. In what could be for seeding purposes, hosting the Denver Broncos is the final card to play. Vegas will need to play ahead and make life more miserable for the Broncos. The rivalry runs deep; you must finish the season strong. A sense of pride will rain on the Raiders and anchor them into the postseason. Take care of business and go out with a second half successful season. Results: Win.

A strong case Las Vegas finishes 11-6 and secure the 5th seed in the playoffs. Likely traveling to Jacksonville and be a heavy underdog in the wild card round. Worst case scenario: 10-7 and a 6th seed traveling to the AFC North division winner. If the Raiders can take of business in winnable games mentioned, this is a team top seeds wouldn’t want to play in the first round. If this happens, the joyous cheers of Raiders fans knowing they’re in prime position to make some noise.

The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since 2002, which was their last Super Bowl appearance against Tampa Bay. Nothing but misery and bad luck for a proud fan base. If Las Vegas were to upset a top four seed; the fans would be beyond chaotic.…It would be the biggest headline of the 2023 NFL Postseason. If the Raiders can stay afloat and play competitively for Coach Pierce, don’t be surprised if we see them in the AFC Championship game. Sounds crazy but hey… It’s any given Sunday, Monday, Thursday. Raider nation, you have the right man in protecting the shield. He understands the “just win baby” mantra and will give you plenty of those in the remaining of 2023.

Stai tuned…