The Raiders installed a new regime on a short week and looked like a brand new team on Sunday, dominating the Giants for a 30-6 win at Allegiant Stadium.
Interim coach Antonio Pierce led the way for the new-look Raiders after taking over for former coach Josh McDaniels, who was fired mid-week. New offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree re-imagined the offense, resulting in a season-high in points for a group led by new starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas defense caused multiple turnovers and took advantage of an injury to Giants QB Daniel Jones. The win was the breath of fresh air the franchise desperately needed, and it also kept Vegas relevant in the standings.
Here are the winners and losers for the week, as the Raiders improve to 4-5 on the campaign.
Winner: Coach Antonio Pierce and staff
The Raiders’ new coach grew up rooting for the silver and black, and his team played with a passion reminiscent of Raider Nation itself. Pierce’s leadership was apparent immediately and Las Vegas started hot, jumping out to a 24-0 lead at halftime and a 27-0 lead before the Giants finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter. It was the first time the Raiders offense scored more than 20 points in a game this season.
Pierce’s new offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree hit all the right buttons early and often, especially in the running game, which showed newfound potency. As for the passing game, O’Connell played mistake-free football and made throws that the Raiders’ other quarterbacks simply can’t make.
Winner: QB Aidan O’Connell
The Raiders’ new regime chose O’Connell over former starter Jimmy Garoppolo, and O’Connell rewarded their choice with stellar play, especially for a rookie signal caller.
O’Connell was 9-10 passing in the first half and posted a 118.8 QB rating. He cooled down in the second half, as did the entire Raiders offense, but O’Connell finished the game with 209 yards on 16-25 passing. He didn’t have a touchdown, but he also didn’t turn the ball over, which is huge for a team trying to claw back to contention.
Winner: RB Josh Jacobs
Running back Josh Jacobs had his season high in rushing yards in the first half, posting 85 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. He finished just shy of a 100-yard day with 98 yards on 26 carries.
The run game is a huge key to unlocking the Raiders offense, and it’s clear that McDaniels had no clue how to get the job done. The offensive line deserves credit as well for adjusting to some new run plays, showing athleticism in space as pulling blockers and on zone runs.
Winner: DE Maxx Crosby
Once again, defensive end Maxx Crosby showed he’s one of the NFL’s best, posting three QB sacks, three tackles for loss, three QB hits, and eight tackles (six solo).
Crosby’s teammates followed his lead and the defense feasted on Giants’ quarterbacks, especially backup Tommy DeVito. He entered the game for injured starter Daniel Jones, who left early in the second quarter. Overall, the Raiders had eight QB sacks and nine QB hits as a team.
Winner: WR Hunter Renfrow
Seldom used by the last Raiders regime, WR Hunter Renfrow looked like himself on Sunday, catching two passes on three targets. It wasn’t much, but his catches epitomized the breath of fresh air that the entire team clearly enjoyed.
O’Connell spread the ball around, completing passes to eight different receivers, and there were no receiving touchdowns, though WR Jakobi Meyers got the scoring started with a 17-yard touchdown run. The Raiders’ leading man on offense, WR Davante Adams, had four catches for 34 yards. But with the emergence of Renfrow, the Raiders have yet another playmaker in the mix as they attempt to push for the playoffs.
Winner: CB Amik Robertson
Cornerback Amik Robertson continues to make big plays that offset his occasionally-suspect coverage. His interception at the goal line in the second quarter helped the Raiders continue their hot start, as he returned the ball 40 yards to give the Raiders great field position.
Amik with the pick!#NYGvsLV | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/xCHNnMHruh
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 5, 2023
After a 50-yard completion from O’Connell to WR Tre Tucker on the ensuing possession, Jacobs ran for his second touchdown and the Raiders led 21-0. Robertson also had an aggressive pass breakup in the fourth quarter as the Giants attempted a desperate 4th-and-5 play.
Cornerback Nate Hobbs and an interception as well, on a tipped ball by CB Marcus Peters on the Giants’ first snap after Robertson’s pick. But it’s Robertson who always seems to make big plays that reward his coaches for playing him.
Winner: Team owner Mark Davis
Raiders owner Mark Davis pulled the plug on the Josh McDaniels regime, and after one game, it very much appears he made the right call. It’s anyone’s guess what the future holds for the Raiders and who will lead the team next season. But for now, Davis’ bold move looks brilliant.
Plus, Davis was feeling so good about his decision that he changed up his infamous bowl-cut hairstyle. Talk about calling your own shot.
Since JMD
– Mark Davis new haircut
– 24 first quarter points
– 2 takeaways and shutout first half
– Renfrow 2 catches— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) November 5, 2023
Also, I’ll squeeze two honorable mentions for the winner list: rookie LB Amari Burney and rookie DE Tyree Wilson. Burney stepped up as a starter due to injuries to Divine Deablo and Luke Masterson. He had six tackles and looked solid given his inexperience. Wilson notched a half-sack late in the game, which can only add to his confidence and help his first-round talent materialize. He also had four tackles.
Loser: Josh McDaniels
It was already clear to many, but now it’s more obvious than ever: Josh McDaniels is not a good football coach. He got run out of Vegas and the Raiders looked exponentially better without him, especially on offense, McDaniels’ supposed specialty.
Suddenly, the Raiders prime time game next Sunday night against the Jets in Las Vegas is full of intrigue. Can the Raiders’ new regime keep the good times rolling? Or will they be one-game wonders? We’ll find out soon enough, and a newly energized Raider Nation undoubtedly can’t wait to see what Pierce’s Raiders do next.
