Raiders coach criticizes team effort after Panthers loss
- Antonio Pierce criticized the Raiders for their lack of effort in their home opener against the Panthers.
- The Raiders' defense allowed over 21 points for the third straight game, while the offense struggled on third downs.
- Players acknowledged the need to refocus on fundamentals and improve their performance moving forward.
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expressed disappointment in his team's performance following a loss to the Carolina Panthers in their home opener. Despite a previous victory against the Baltimore Ravens, the Raiders struggled significantly, failing to lead at any point during the game. Pierce noted that some players made 'business decisions' rather than fully committing to their roles, which contributed to the team's lack of effort. The Raiders' defense allowed over 21 points for the third consecutive game this season, a stark contrast to their performance under Pierce last year. The Raiders entered the game with a poor defensive record, having allowed the fifth-most rushing yards in the league. However, the Panthers exploited the Raiders' weaknesses through the air, with quarterback Andy Dalton throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns. This aerial assault highlighted the Raiders' defensive inefficiencies, as all nine of Carolina's significant plays came from passing attempts. On the offensive side, the Raiders struggled to convert on third downs, going just 3 for 11. Cornerback Nate Hobbs acknowledged that the team lacked focus and underestimated their opponent, which led to their downfall. He emphasized that while some players performed well, others, including himself, fell short of their responsibilities. In light of these issues, safety Tre’von Moehrig stressed the need to return to the fundamentals and improve on the small details that are crucial for success. The Raiders must regroup and address these shortcomings to turn their season around and regain their competitive edge.