The Raiders have extra spring in their step — and team owner Mark Davis appears to have taken notice.
In the wake of the October firing of coach Josh McDaniels, interim head coach Antonio Pierce has led the Raiders to two consecutive wins, which has left Davis “impressed,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Sources say Davis has noticed the energy in the building that Pierce brought when he was elevated following McDaniels’ firing on Oct. 31,” Rapoport reported Sunday.
“While pleasantly surprised in how the team has responded with back-to-back wins, Davis is said to be impressed, sources say.”
The Raiders improved to 5-5 last week following back-to-back wins over the Giants and Jets, respectively.
The Raiders celebrated their 30-6 thrashing over the Giants in Week 9 by smoking cigars in the locker room.
The team had a dance-filled victory lap the following week after their 16-12 win over the Jets on “Sunday Night Football.”
Some of the Raiders’ biggest stars have also been vocal “about the new feel of the building,” per Rapoport.
“Players with whom Davis had consulted prior to the shocking move to clean house — including [defensive end] Maxx Crosby, [running back] Josh Jacobs and [wide receiver] Davante Adams — have been outspoken about the new feel of the building and what that can do,” Rapaport noted.
Pierce has set a different tone, emphasizing getting the ball to Adams, who had been struggling under McDaniels.
“The first couple plays were right to him,” Pierce said of Adams, according to NBC Sports. “Get the ball in his hands, get him going. When you’ve got one of the best receivers in the game, I’m not stupid. I know who to get the ball to.”
Adams has caught 10 passes for 120 yards over his last two games after hauling in 10 passes for 97 yards in the three games prior.
He also scored a touchdown in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, his fourth of the season.
The Raiders trailed the Dolphins at halftime, 14-13.
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