The Raiders of Las Vegas, California We have everything that Jack Jones said from the locker room before to traveling to Baltimore this weekend to play the Ravens.
Baltimore, MarylandThe Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) took an early flight this morning to travel east to play the Baltimore Ravens (0-1) tomorrow.
Upsetting the Ravens this weekend would be the fastest way to get over that heartbreaking defeat to the Chargers.
After a dismal first-week loss, both clubs are heading into this game with an advantage. The game will begin at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT.
We got up with CB Jack Jones in the Silver and Black locker room before heading off for Maryland to discuss the current status of Raider Nation.
Below, you can witness the full interview that was conducted in the locker room:
The transcript of Antonio Pierce’s Friday news conference may be seen here.
Q: You were very involved with the offense last year. I’m just learning your system; this year, are you 50/50 on it?
“Still with the offense,” said coach Pierce.
What information have you gained about that?
Coach Pierce: “There’s a lot of talking and communicating because, for one thing, this is my first experience with the West Coast offense. The ideas, the rhythm, the logic. I’ve taught and played against it for many years, but this is clearly my first experience coping with it on a daily basis. There are a lot of positive things there, but regardless of whether we’re discussing offensive or
You have to put in repetitions on defense. Time must be invested, teamwork must occur, and the same group must continually discuss the situation. I also believe Luke [Getsy] is doing a fantastic job at it. Regardless of the result, I believed even last week that the strategy we have been working on for a while is sound. However, execution fell short, and that is what needs to improve.”
Given that it’s still ironing out the wrinkles, how much do you believe the offense will progress from one week to the next?
Coach Pierce: “You definitely want to see that jump, and I believe every NFL coach speaks about it from week one to week two. And I believe that’s what we, as a club, coaching staff, and myself, harped on all week—not just offensively. Simply keeping up that progress week after week.”
How much of a focus do you place on ensuring that your top players, regardless of the play, receive the ball?
Coach Pierce: “The athlete handled business.” It’s what I’ve always said. The day I took over last year, I made that statement. We are good, after all, when our greatest players are performing at their highest level. I could go on and on about Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Big Mike Mayer, Brock Bowers, Zamir White, and our O-line when they’re playing good. But generally speaking, the Raiders have a successful day when those players are making plays. Isn’t that what this game is going to boil down to in the end? We’re playing the reigning MVP, one of the finest teams in the National Football League. All hands on deck, really, and our finest players are expected to participate.”
Is it premature to anticipate that K’Lavon Chaisson would be promoted and start playing?
Coach Pierce: “It will be seen.” This is two days, at most. Still, he looks nice. He’s appeared well thus far; he’s simply acclimating to our structure and plan and making sure he’s fit and prepared. I don’t want to put someone in danger if they aren’t emotionally or physically prepared.”
Q: This week, the offensive line used the phrase “pissed.” They feel angry with themselves. Is there anything more a coach could ask for than players who accept accountability for their actions?
Coach Pierce: “Yes, since those guys up front are always where it all begins.” Running the ball, tossing the ball, and all of things require strong o-line protection before we can be considered a competent offense. They set the tone by their presence, their enthusiasm, and their way of thinking. That is, in my opinion, rather crucial. And they saw it, they understood. Really, last week’s problems were really apparent. And when you watch it while sitting there, you realize why you lost the game and ask yourself, “Why? How did that come about? What were the causes? Of course, we talked about it. You enjoy it most when your linemen are a little bit cocky, isn’t that right? Take a brief moment.
In that vein, have you been pleased with the team’s desire to reenter the game and their reaction to the defeat?
Coach Pierce: “Yeah, well, get back up; the 24-hour rule is real.” Arrived here on Wednesday, and to be honest, even though I know it’s coaches jargon, it was the finest Wednesday of the year and since I took over. Much better than it was the previous week. Guys were physical and had a good time. The smoke forced us inside, but despite that, the rehearsal featured a lot of intensity, effort, polish, and physicality—everything we could have hoped for in a cushioned setting.”
Q: To sort of ask a bigger question, did you see the game last night? Tua Tagovailoa was involved in another concussion. As a head coach, how do you treat it differently when one of your players has a history of concussions? I know every player is unique.
Coach Pierce: “To be honest, I would merely advise him to hang up his boots. Playing the game is not worth it, end of story. Nothing like what I’ve seen three times has occurred to him that I’ve observed. Unsettling. The athletes’ faces are immediately visible on the pitch. Everyone’s sense of urgency to seek Tua [Tagovailoa] aid is evident. I simply believe that he will eventually live a longer life.
Of course, you haven’t faced Lamar Jackson, but as that MIKE linebacker, how significant is Sunday for maintaining the integrity of your defensive line gaps?
Coach Pierce: “Yeah, every play we have to remind them.” PG [Patrick Graham] will provide the headset, I will provide it from the sidelines, and Robert Spillane will need to do an excellent job of highlighting the necessary actions in each play. Scheme-wise, our notions and gap integrity will shift. Obviously, you can’t show them the same image each time. To put it bluntly, though, you have to do your work, guy. You can’t go ten or fifteen yards up the field to get past the quarterback in this game. That will not be good.
ball. And we have discussed it; we have discussed pressing the pocket, gap integrity, and cage rushing. When you do things correctly, Lamar [Jackson] may achieve a great deal of success. We have to acknowledge that, since you are dealing with a top athlete, he will make plays. I take it that we have to go on? Every game of his career, he has demonstrated his ability to hit a home run. However, we cannot allow him to continue breaking our backs during the game.”
Q: Last week, your defensive backfield performed admirably, limiting Justin Herbert to just 150 passing yards. How much did they impress you? And on Sunday, what can you anticipate from them?
Coach Pierce: “That was excellent. Really, I would have told you to stop lying if you had told me that you lost the game and that he passed for less than 150 yards. To be honest, one of my favorite plays of the game was when JB (Jakorian Bennett) was out on the sidelines during the first ten or so plays. Fantastic work when catching the ball. That, in my opinion, really boosted his confidence. In training, we saw that
camp, but it was excellent to witness it in real time early on in the game. And our secondary’s enthusiasm and energy are visible to you. However, they have been a rather stable and reliable organization. Although there were undoubtedly some plays in the secondary from our safeties that we wish we could take back, that group has been very consistent throughout the summer, training camp, and preseason. Still, this will be a significant test. Week by week, that is. Two men that can really sprint down the field are present. This week, the vertical danger is real, and as I mentioned before, we’re confronting in space. Lamar Jackson will make an appearance. He intends to perform a play or
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