Raiders coach Antonio Pierce entered the locker room at halftime Thursday in unfamiliar territory.
Las Vegas built a franchise-record 42–0 halftime lead over the visiting Chargers, who looked defeated after turning the ball over three times and allowing touchdowns on six of the Raiders’ eight first-half drives.
But Pierce wasn’t satisfied with that.
“Press the gas pedal even harder,” Pierce told Amazon Prime Video sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung of his message to the team.
Antonio Pierce asked by @KayleeHartung what he told his #Raiders team about the second half: “Press the gas pedal even harder.” 🫣
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 15, 2023
It was a different story on the other sideline, however.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley spoke with Hartung on the Thursday Night Football broadcast moments before he walked into a locker room with much different vibes.
“That wasn’t us out there. We did not come ready to play,” Staley said. “Second half, we’ve got to fight for pride.”
Brandon Staley does an interview with Amazon Prime Video going into halftime... with the Chargers trailing 42-0. 😬
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2023
"Appreciate the fact that he even stopped by for that interview. A lot of guys wouldn't."- Al Michaels #TNF pic.twitter.com/vEygCGGqHD
Pierce’s message won out, however. The Raiders began the second half by cruising down the field on a nine-play, 60-yard drive for their seventh touchdown and a 49–0 lead.
