Antonio Pierce sets Maxx Crosby’s mental approach as the benchmark for all Raiders players

Antonio Pierce won a Super Bowl as a player with the Giants.

Antonio Pierce sets Maxx Crosby’s mental approach as the benchmark for all Raiders players

Antonio Pierce (L - via Sports Illustrated) and Maxx Crosby (R - via IMAGO)

The Las Vegas Raiders are in a midseason turnaround. They fired HC Josh McDaniels and GM David Ziegler on the same day, at the same time. LB coach Antonio Pierce was named as the team’s interim head coach and he led the Raiders to victory in his first game in charge. The Raiders have lost five of their nine games so far this season and they will hope to turn their season around under a new head coach.

The Raiders have a lot of talented players on their roster. They should be fighting for a playoff spot, but poor coaching and a disjointed environment led to them having a tough season. Pierce is hoping to change that and his main focus is on the mental approach of the players towards the game. He wants his players to emulate their defensive end Maxx Crosby‘s approach.

YouTube video

Pierce said:

FS Video
All 11 need to match Crosby. I have not ever seen a player be consistent like Maxx Crosby. He further explained the effect that will have on the team. First and foremost, just a mentally tough team. A team that you see out there saying, ‘Damn, that’s how football is supposed to be played.’ . . . More importantly, the love and passion for the game.

He continued:

I hope that if you never get to come to one of our games in the stadium, when you watch on television, you’re like, ‘Damn, them dudes love ball. They love playing for one another.’ If I can get that, I’ve accomplished one of my goals.

The Raiders dismantled the New York Giants on Sunday and are already looking like a different team. They will play their next game against the New York Jets on Sunday and will look to build on this impressive win.

Antonio Pierce praised QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s approach after getting benched

The Las Vegas Raiders got Jimmy Garoppolo this season to be the team’s starting QB. After nine games, Garoppolo has struggled to make the place his own and was benched in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce, however, has praised Garoppolo for his handling of the situation.

Antonio Pierce (L) and Jimmy Garoppolo (R)
Antonio Pierce (L – Fox News) and Jimmy Garoppolo (R – via NFL.com)

Pierce said:

Your sensitive to it, but you’re direct. You just nip it in the bud, which we did. We talked about it like grown men. I’m very appreciative to Jimmy. Since Jimmy has been here, he’s done nothing but become a pro and really taught our team to be a pro and also how to win, and when I say win, I’m not talking about on the grass always. I’m talking about in the meeting rooms, how to carry yourself, how to talk, how to handle adverse situations, and that’s what I’m proud of.

So far this season, Garoppolo has thrown for 1,205 yards and 7 touchdowns to go along with 9 interceptions. He hasn’t had a good time this season. Now, he will have to watch his successor O’Connell from the bench.

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