Antonio Pierce Discloses Signings With Christian Wilkins & Gardner Minshew

Antonio Pierce, the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is rapidly molding the club into his likeness. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Gardner Minshew are two of the NFL’s most entertaining players, and Pierce wants the squad to have fun.

Pierce recently discussed what attracted the Raiders to them in an interview with ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez.

In a post published on March 15, Gutierrez stated, “In fact, Pierce told ESPN.com that Wilkins and Minshew were ‘high-motivated guys’ who were also ‘team guys’ that had ‘personality’ and a’motor’ that made them more than culture fits.”

In Las Vegas, Pierce is attempting to establish a certain culture. In addition to wanting players who enjoy themselves, he also requires them to be hard workers who are driven to win games. Minshew and Wilkins meet that requirement. Under former head coach Josh McDaniels, the squad had a drastically different culture that valued players taking the game seriously and less about having fun.

Although it’s unclear if Pierce’s approach will be effective, general manager Tom Telesco is making an effort to surround him with players that should mesh in.

Maxx Crosby Describes Antonio Pierce’s Effectiveness

It wasn’t anticipated that Antonio Pierce would have a serious chance to take over as head coach full-time when he was elevated to interim position following Josh McDaniels’ firing during the season. Prior to accepting the position, he had only coached in the NFL for a single season.

But he had an extraordinary ability to unite the team around him, and at the end of the season, he guided them to a 5-4 record. Maxx Crosby, a defensive end, recently shared his thoughts on what made him exceptional as head coach. Crosby was among the most outspoken advocates for Pierce’s hiring.

On the March 15 episode of “The Rush,” Crosby stated, “When you have a coach who truly believes, it’s infectious.” Anthony gives the boys confidence. “We can’t go into Kansas City on Christmas Day and win without that.” We were confident we would defeat them inside.

“Everyone who wasn’t affiliated with the Raiders predicted that we would lose that game.” We never wavered. And A.P. is as genuine as they get with a coach like him.

Though talent surrounding the coach can only benefit the Raiders and give him a fair opportunity to prove he is the right man for the job, belief can only lead a club so far.

The Las Vegas Raiders Have Much Work Ahead of Them
While Christian Wilkins and Gardner Minshew were added by the Raiders, Josh Jacobs and Hunter Renfrow are being lost. Furthermore, Minshew is not a viable long-term starter at quarterback, despite his excellent performance as a backup.

Until the Raiders are able to acquire a franchise quarterback, they are not going anywhere. Although Antonio Pierce is off to a strong start, improvements must still be made to this group before they can truly contend. The organization’s primary priority should be finding a franchise quarterback, but if none become available this offseason, the team should concentrate on strengthening the offensive line and fielding a superior defense.