HENDERSON, NevadaAs they get ready to meet the Cleveland Browns (1-2) this weekend, the Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) are a squad that is urgently attempting to discover its identity.
Raiders RB We’ve included Zamir White’s post-practice remarks from the locker room below.
Coach Antonio Pierce spoke to the media earlier today. The following is a transcript of his remarks:
As a coach, are you interested in knowing what sort of response people will have to the kind of game we witnessed on Sunday, and do you have an idea of how your squad will respond?
Coach Pierce: “You move on, you watch the movie on Monday, you’re ready to work, new week, 24-hour rule.” A new week means a fresh chance.
You made reference to making decisions. Have you chosen anything yet?
“Yes, it’s in-house,” said Coach Pierce.
Q: Is it harder sometimes than other times to follow the 24-hour rule? Coaches, players, and everyone else talk about it all the time.
Coach Pierce: “Well, to tell the truth. Yes, it is. Week 3 is early in the season, though. No panic button is present. We are not going to jump out of the plane without our parachutes. We’re doing fine. We move on from the loss, which was difficult.
Q: Do you mostly delegate personnel decisions to your coordinators, or how does that process operate? Specifically, Jackson Powers-Johnson goes in for Dylan Parham instead of Cody Whitehair is what comes to mind. Was that a choice made by Luke Getsy? Is that anything you own? How does that operate?
Coach Pierce: “All of you. That’s been given further consideration, and it should manifest this week.”
What was the outcome of the players’ meeting? I understand that you can’t divulge too much, but how did it go, in your opinion?
Coach Pierce: “As is customary on Mondays, there was a meeting between the players and the coaches.”
Q: It was great to have someone like Christian Wilkins speak out about the significance of the 24-hour rule and, more significantly, the importance of having a strong mind game, particularly following a defeat like that. How crucial is it that the younger players have someone like him, who is fresh to the team, to be able to share it with them?
“You want more of that, right?” said Coach Pierce. More males talking like that is what you desire. We discuss mental toughness all the time. Coaches are constantly mentioning character, opportunity, and adversity—all of those important terms. I’m just talking about that. When a player says it, it sounds different in the conference room, the locker room, and the practice area. For that reason, it’s obviously very important that he step up. Moreover, it has nothing to do with being a novice. He is an expert. He is an expert within his field. And your team will perform better the more of them guys you may have that can take mature decisions and grown man whoopings.”
Q: You have discussed how the defense plays when Maxx Crosby isn’t playing at his peak and is a little limited. Is that a significant task that you have set for the team this week?
Pierce, the coach: “Yes. We were aware of that last week, after all. Man, listen, Maxx [Crosby] gave us everything he had in the end, I mean. Ever since I arrived, he has demonstrated this every week. Even when I watched from a distance, his enthusiasm, drive, and determination to succeed for the Raiders organization are unquestionable. All that is needed is for the defense and the rest of the team to match that. And I believe that guys still have a wonderful opportunity to step up with Maxx [Crosby] this coming week. We’ll see what transpires.”
What did you see in Tyree Wilson’s performance last week, and what is Tyree’s next move?
Coach Pierce: “Repeat, repetitions.” All he has done is play football sparingly. We get them back with restricted reps after they are absent for two weeks after being here one week. Thus, it will be excellent. He benefits greatly from practice. The more practice sessions we can get him, the more at ease and aware he becomes of the game. You do realize that it’s both visual and muscular memory? He will therefore improve and become a better player the more he realizes that.”
Regarding the run game, do you focus more on refining the existing scheme or on honing your skills and improving upon them, or do you look at the scheme itself?
Coach Pierce: “Yeah, well, you always have to start with the plan and the method you coach, and the way you coach the technique all week long. What are you displaying to the players, too? Are you hitting all of their hits, or are you just hitting the top three or top five runs? Ultimately, most teams don’t have a lot of runs, isn’t that right? You know going into the game what you need to stop after a few runs. Thus, modifications are required since, conceptually, one may argue, “See, this is a better front versus our coverage to bring a safety down or bring a pressure.” But when you raise that question, I believe it touches on a bit of both. Its players, its strategy, its method, and its modifications.”
What is the learning curve like this year, moving from the power to largely the zone?
Coach Pierce: “We’re observing it directly, after all. It’s being seen by you folks, right? There is a learning curve, and we are still in the process, but at the end of the day, a team may be either scheme-driven, player-driven, or a “what works” squad. And we have to adopt a Raiders-friendly mindset.”
Q: You mentioned going down the field in response to a question I had to you on Monday on aggressive offense. I would like to follow up on that. Would you want to see them go farther beyond the sticks when they’re attempting to attack, particularly on third down situations, such as when it’s third and five and they’re throwing the ball three yards?
Coach Pierce: “There is also a small amount of execution there. Not too many plays are being drawn in which we lack sticks. Thus, calling a play doesn’t mean you can just stop there. A tiny bit of each.”
Q: You mentioned last Thursday as one of your best practices, and then Sunday came. If this team is locked in and you’ll see a different team this Sunday than you did last Sunday, will you find out before Sunday? Or must we hold out until this Sunday?
Coach Pierce: “Everyone in the building felt it on Thursday, and I did say as much.” I won’t therefore retract what I said. Yes, it truly was. There were no balls on the ground, and the execution was clean, with the tempo, energy, and speed all at an elevated level. It didn’t take much drawing up of the play to make it work; we got the looks. Thursdays are when our scout team competes. Therefore, no gimmes were present. It was a good Friday. It was a good Saturday. It wasn’t a good Sunday.
Is it likely that the team will be prepared by Sunday?
Coach Pierce: “Unlike last week, I won’t be making any predictions. That’s what I swear to you. I’m going to disregard that.
Q: What advice would you give Isaiah Pola-Moa as a player regarding his readiness, his degree of confidence in filling in for Marcus Epps, and his ability to step into the role?
Coach Pierce: “Yeah, I believe he has played more than 200 defensive snaps in the last three years or so. played a wide variety of roles during my debut season. We shifted him around, and we filled in the same way last year. I recall the first game against the Miami Dolphins when we had him in a package. He intercepted the ball on the opening play of the second half and has since been in close proximity to the ball. Excellent special teams player who has filled a variety of roles for us as our third safety. hasn’t appeared in practice or in the game despite our heavy reps. Thus, we are quite comfortable telling Isaiah [Palo-Moa] the truth. Although we were confident that we had two reliable starters in Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moerhig, I still believed he was prepared to advance this year. Obviously, given Marcus’s injury, the next man up mindset is now in place. However, it’s not blinking or flinching at all. I have a lot of faith in Isaiah’s future abilities and am forward to see him in practice today.”
How much does Marcus Epps’ absence sting since he was a communicator so much?
Coach Pierce: “You know what, that’s a really fantastic question? It’s important to note that he did. Isaiah [Pola-Moa] and Tre’von [Moerhig] are the two lads who really need to step up because you got Spil [Robert Spillane] up there in the front seven. I won’t put everything on Isaiah. That is not going to happen, and neither will it happen with Tre’von. However, I believe that they must each have their own and play a part in what they need to say to one other.”
What do you think Deshaun Watson can do, and how well do you think your defense can execute tackles and the game plan?
“Yes, I mean, I’m not going to judge on how he’s played, but last week I saw some really good throws out there on the perimeter, both to Amari Cooper,” said Coach Pierce. There’s the deep ball, of course, and the obvious ability to run, scramble, and extend plays. We’ll need to practice that once more this week, much like we would against a player with similar movement skills to Lamar Jackson. But hear me out: he’s a veteran football player who is quite effective when playing. He was moving the ball and the chains when you witnessed it in Jacksonville and, of course, late in the game against the Cowboys when they had to make a comeback. He is a threat, so you should have respect for the National Football League. He has the ability to make plays at any time.”
Hello, I was just wondering about Divine Deablo. I know he didn’t play on Sunday. Will he be able to resume practicing soon?
“No, he won’t practice today,” said Coach Pierce.
Q: You made it clear last week that you thought you had strong practices. What factors come into play on game day, in your opinion as a player?
Coach Pierce: “If you think about it, on gameday you’re just finishing touches that you need to make by Saturday.” You have a meeting with the players as a coaching staff that lasts for around one and a half hours that evening. Isn’t the hay in the barn? The coaches call the shots and make the necessary corrections, and the players go play. Like all of us, I believe I experienced a sense of disillusionment following the first drive. It was quite shocking, and I believe it startled us all. Subsequently, on the matter I mentioned, our response was inadequate. Again, I’m trying not to forecast how the week will turn out because, to be honest, I can’t say that Baltimore was a good week. So listen, guy, my goal is to make sure I do a better job of explaining what we need to accomplish, how we need to play, and the style of play to be executed for sixty minutes on Saturday night and Sunday before the team takes the field.”
After you two seemed to bond last year, what effect has Champ Kelly’s resignation as general manager had?
Coach Pierce: “To be honest, I talk to Champ [Kelly] every day. I speak with Champ and [Tom] Telesco on a daily basis. Every day, I speak with every employee in our people department. If I see you, I pretty much talk to everyone in the building every day. Therefore, there isn’t a communication gap, a chemistry gap, or anything of the sort. No, everything is OK. Everyone has a certain role to play, so you just have to do it.”
Q: You indicated that this week might see some physical practices. How do you strike a balance between that and having to be well and prepared for Sunday?
Coach Pierce: “Yes, we went through last week, that’s right. Rather of practice, we performed two walkthroughs without any pads. Then, on Thursday, we go out there and run around wearing helmets, t-shirts, and other gear while wearing shells. However, we were already scheduled to leave. Really, based on our schedule going into the game, we had a sense that this squad would succeed because they are excellent ball runners. They provide you a variety of looks and are tangible. Along with Ken Dorsey, the head coach is an excellent offensive coordinator and does a fantastic job assembling the team. In any case, we have pads on for this week. I actually base my judgment on our health. We’ll wear the pads if we’re well enough to go out there. We do not if we are not. Additionally, we believed last week that by traveling and getting picked up at specific positions, we could obtain more reps and opportunities by having those individuals participate in walkthroughs.”
Do you think Jackson Powers-Johnson accomplished enough to merit more time after seeing his film?
Coach Pierce: “He did, indeed.”
Is there a current status about Thayer Munford’s health?
“He won’t practice today,” said Coach Pierce.
Is Myles Garrett going to play? “He plays for the Cleveland Browns,” said Coach Pierce.
When you watch Myles Garrett, what stands out?
Pierce the coach: “Eerie. He’s a talented player, the year’s defensive player, am I right? excellent football player. It really is stunning. He is absolutely smashing shops; you saw a few of his runs against the Giants last week. Like, it makes no difference if there are two people on him. They just chip him, so what? Remain away from him; he will pursue it. With Maxx [Crosby], we witness this on a daily basis. That kind of effort and physicality from another player is something we hardly ever see. It is evident that we need to get several hands on him. However, he is an extremely skilled player who commands respect for his style of play. He is quite helpful to their team. He is a game-changer, a disruptor, and he gets them going.
Q: Based on what you witnessed, how much faith do you have in DJ Glaze if Thayer Munford is unable to attend this week?
Coach Pierce: “DJ did an excellent job, in my opinion. Though I am aware that he lost a sack, he was primarily facing off against [Jadeveon] Clowney, a number one choice who has a history of making tackles appear shoddy. And I generally believed that the reason he didn’t get all the reps during practice week, particularly for a young player like me, was similar to what we observed during training camp—someone who you just put in and said, “Okay, DJ’s in.” It was one of those instances where he didn’t receive the necessary reps for a run game that was called during crucial periods in the game, yet he handled it flawlessly. So so self-assured. Listen, there was a moment when we were dying to have him in the game. It was scheduled for last week. It just occurred as a result of Munford’s injuries.
Is Decamerion Richardson scheduled to resume practicing?
“No, he probably won’t play this week either,” said Coach Pierce.
When we questioned you on Monday regarding the quarterback situation, you mentioned that you still planned to have conversations.
Coach Pierce: “No, I believe what I stated was that there isn’t a problem; I need to meet with the guys and watch the footage. Quarterback Gardner Minshew is the player.
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