It doesn’t need to be said.
We now know how the Las Vegas Raiders feel about Josh McDaniels. And the team’s performance since McDaniels’ departure speaks to that. Undoubtedly, the Raiders, playing with a rookie fourth-round pick under center, aren’t the most talented team in the National Football League. However, they’re playing hard for Antonio Pierce, as the interim head coach seems to have resonated with those in the locker room.
And it’s not just Pierce, either. Players seem to feel the same way about interim general manager Champ Kelly.
Just ask Maxx Crosby. And so, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport did on The Insiders (NFL+).
From our interview with Maxx Crosby on The Insiders: The #Raiders star pass-rusher advocates for Antonio Pierce and Champ Kelly to stay right where they are. pic.twitter.com/FXw82dAPIM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2023
“I’ve been very honest and very open about it,” Crosby said when asked about the prospect of Kelly and Pierce having their interim tags removed. “I love those guys, (Antonio Pierce) and Champ. I’ve been close with him ever since they’ve been here, you know, before they got the jobs now. Selfishly, I want them to continue to be the head coach and GM. I’ve been very honest with them. I told Mark (Davis) the same thing.
“For me, I take it as an extra motivation to help this team win so they can be in the position they’re in now for the long term. For me, I’ve had a lot of head coaches and a lot of change in my five years. And I just want stability and honesty. And I feel like AP and Champ are everything that represents us and comes with that. Those guys are super honest. They are straightforward. And I think they’re doing an incredible job. Obviously, they didn’t have any time to prepare for this, but they’ve come in and didn’t blink. All the guys are buying in, and you see our team playing these last four games; even though we’re 2-2, we’ve made incredible improvements, and we’re looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
Raiders players like Crosby are confident in the current leadership team and trust the team’s direction under Pierce and Kelly.
