Raiders coach Antonio Pierce recently voiced a lack of confidence in the team’s offense, stating Monday that there is no specific element he can depend on to perform consistently.
As the Raiders prepare to face Cincinnati, the offense ranks near the NFL’s bottom in several key areas, including scoring and rushing, which has contributed to their 2-6 record and a four-game losing streak.
Pierce aspires to shape a hard-hitting, physical offensive identity reminiscent of his days with the Giants.
“I want to run the ball. I want to be physical. I want to throw the ball downfield,” he stated,
but emphasized that all of this hinges on effective play-calling and execution across the board. The team has shown glimpses of potential, such as scoring on the opening drive in three of their past four games, but struggles with adjustments mid-game.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew, brought in as a stopgap until the Raiders find a franchise QB, has faced challenges. While showing improvement with a solid 209-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Chiefs, Minshew also leads the league with 11 turnovers.
The team’s running game has suffered, ranking 31st and averaging a mere 79 yards per game, partly due to inconsistent run blocking and injuries to key players like Zamir White.
Despite these challenges, Pierce remains determined to forge a tough offensive identity, stressing the need for collective effort and improved consistency.
“There’s no one person to blame,” added running back Alexander Mattison.
