ARTICLE AD BOX
In the opening week only of the 2024 NFL season, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio pierce is already facing criticism. It is for what many people think is one of the worst coaching calls of the year. During the 22-10 defeat that the Las Vegas Raiders suffered at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers, there was one decision of coach Antonio Pierce that puzzled both fans and analysts.
The Raiders, at this juncture, in the fourth quarter, trailed 16-10 with just seven minutes left on the clock and had the ball on the Chargers’ 43-yard line and it was 4th down with exactly one yard remaining to gain.
Based on this context, the bet was on, and as expected, so did the Raiders and decided to keep their offense on the field, in hopes of scoring the much needed go-ahead touchdown.
Antonio Pierce Risky Blunder
Nevertheless, Antonio Pierce prefers to return the ball to the Chargers instead of risking it on his side.
This turned out to be a big blunder. The Chargers led by Herbert were given a chance that they made the best of by driving a 92 yard field in 8 plays, which ended at another touchdown making it a two possession game. By any statistical evaluation, this particular punt decision is the worst in the history of the NFL for over the last twenty few years and possibly ever.
While this one decision was not the only culprits for the Raiders defeat, it had greatly reduced their chances of making any sort of fight. The Raiders were not able to score throughout the game as they only scraped 10 points on the board.
However, this time around, they had the best chance to change the tide of the game and perhaps even go ahead. Crucial occasions like these where Antonio Pierce opted for safety attracted a lot of negative reactions. Most coaches, especially, go for lie eek risks wholescale with only one yard left to sustain a drive. Kicking the ball away only returned the control of the game to the Chargers, which ensured the Raiders’ downfall.
English (US)