Antonio Pierce criticizes Raiders players for “business decisions” in devastating defeat

Antonio Pierce makes his displeasure with the efforts of the Las Vegas Raiders clear.

The head coach seemed to question the stamina of some of his players during Sunday’s 36-22 loss to the previously 2-0 Carolina Panthers, and Pierce hinted there could be consequences.

“As the game went on … some people definitely made business decisions,” Pierce said in a postgame press conference, expressing his belief that his team did not “show up” on Sunday. “And we’ll continue to make business decisions going forward.”

Just a week after their 26-23 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Raiders suffered a major setback on Sunday. Andy Dalton, who replaced 2023 first-round pick Bryce Young on the bench, became the first quarterback in the NFL to throw for more than 300 yards (319) and three touchdowns in a single game this season.

At the team’s first home game this season at Allegiant Stadium, fans repeatedly booed an offense that managed just seven points in three quarters.

“I would have booed us too,” Pierce said.

The Raiders host the Cleveland Browns next Sunday.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Antonio Pierce: Raiders players made ‘business decisions’ in loss