The Autumn Wind swept through the Raiders facilities this week and change came with it.
I’m never one to celebrate someone losing their job. I also recognize that this organization has lacked stability for far too long. However, it became increasingly obvious that change was necessary. The offense once again continued to be incredibly inept…the star players were visibly frustrated…and the fan base had completely turned. All hope was seemingly lost.
Mark Davis made the move that he desperately did not want to make. He wanted stability…he wanted this to work…but he finally realized that he had to pull the plug. I will give Davis a ton of credit for how he handled the situation this week. I’m a big believer in not perpetuating a mistake by being too stubborn to admit and correct it. Once you know that you’ve made a mistake…fix it and move on. Davis not only admitted his mistake, but he swiftly and boldly corrected it with a string of good decisions.
His appointment of both Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce as interim GM and Coach was a homerun. Both are highly respected rising stars and both have made an immediate impact on the mood and energy of the locker room and fan base. Their introductory press conference got everyone’s attention. Pierce spoke of growing up in Compton…rocking Raiders hats…and providing a product that Raider Nation can be proud of.
Next, the Raiders made a change at Quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo was an absolute disaster this season and was only getting worse. Garoppolo had to be sat down. Enter Rookie Aiden O’Connell…and with him, like Pierce and Kelly, comes hope. O’Connell may not be the savior…in fact, he could be equally bad…but he could also bring a spark to the offense. It’s that unknown possible upside that brings hope. It’s obvious to everyone that Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer are not the answer…so it only makes sense to find out what this rookie can do.
This feels different. Unlike past changes and interim situations…this feels like one that has a chance to work. Pierce has vowed to make football fun again and really that’s all that Raider Nation can ask for at this point. Let’s have some fun and enjoy football again.