NFL fans have taken to social media to discuss recent comments by Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce. Following the Raiders’ 19-14 Week 16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pierce commented how his team’s goal was to win football games and not simply improve their chances at a high draft pick.
The win yesterday sees the Raiders improve their record to 3-12, something that positions them in fourth in the AFC West and tied for 27th in the league overall. As a result, many analysts and fans alike had begun discussing the future instead of the present of the Raiders organization. However, it is clear that Pierce is not thinking about who his team will be selecting come next year’s NFL Draft just yet.
What Did Antonio Pierce Say About His Team, and How Did Social Media Respond?
Following the win, Pierce explained, “We don’t do this to lose. We don’t do this for anybody’s fantasy football team. We don’t do this for anybody’s draft projections.”
“Only thing that matters to us is winning, and that’s all we want to do,” Pierce continued.
In response to these comments, social media has been vocal about how, though admirable, it may be the wrong choice for the franchise in the long run.
“Antonio Pierce next season when he’s forced to start Aidan O’Connell at QB again instead of Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders,” one user stated while attaching a popular GIF to the post.
Antonio Pierce next season when he's forced to start Aidan O'Connell at QB again instead of Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/FyNwvoYDiZ
— Bills Chat Podcast (@BillsChatPod) December 23, 2024
Meanwhile, another social media user on X (formerly known as Twitter) outlined their belief that winning these games may prove costly for Pierce personally regarding his job security.
“When you’re 2-12 and have the opportunity to draft either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, you make sure to lose. Winning might be the reason why he’s fired at the end of the season,” they explained.
When you're 2-12 and have the opportunity to draft either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, you make sure to lose.
Winning might be the reason why he's fired at the end of the season.
— Alamo_On_The_Rise 🫡 🇺🇲 (@AlamoOnTheRise) December 23, 2024
Does This Win Hurt the Raiders’ Chances of Drafting a Quarterback?
While there are still many variables at play regarding where players will be taken in next April’s NFL Draft, there is a common belief that the Raiders will be in play for a quarterback. In addition, if Pro Football Network’s recent seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft is anything similar to how things will play out on draft night, a high draft position will be crucial in selecting one of the elite QB options next year.
In Jacob Infante’s latest mock draft, Sanders was taken No. 1 overall while Ward was chosen No. 2. As a result, though the win against the Jaguars has not shut the door at all on a QB being taken, it has definitely not helped the Raiders’ chances of having the whole draft class at their disposal come the time they are selecting.