Antonio Pierce sent a powerful message after the Las Vegas Raiders’ disappointing home opener last weekend. Someone, likely aware of what he meant, took note of his words.

Channeling his background as a linebacker, Pierce expressed his frustration with a serious warning.

“As the game progressed, I definitely noticed some individuals making business decisions,” Pierce remarked at the postgame press conference following the Raiders’ 36-22 defeat to the previously winless Carolina Panthers, which brought their record to 1-2.

“And we’ll be making business decisions going forward, too.”

This was certainly a bold attempt to motivate his players.

It’s clear that the loss was hard to take. The Panthers had been outscored 73-13 in their first two matches and had benched their starting quarterback. The Raiders allowed Carolina to bounce back by suffering a defeat that was their worst since Pierce took over as interim coach last year, which led to him getting the job permanently. The defense, ranked 30th, permitted a 100-yard rusher, a 300-yard passer, and a total of 437 yards. Meanwhile, the offense, having the worst rushing performance in the league, recorded five three-and-outs, a turnover on downs, and a missed field goal on another drive.

Amidst all this, what seemed to bother Pierce the most was the alleged lack of effort from some players—their “business decision” to not give their all.

Who exactly was Pierce alluding to? He kept those details private, but it’s clear the individuals involved are aware. Let’s not underestimate Pierce, 45, who certainly knew what he was saying at that moment.

As he stated the following day, “I speak my mind. I speak my mind.”

This is the approach Pierce is adopting. Whether people agree with his style or not, his authenticity is undeniable. After all, this is a man who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Washington in 2001—considered too small to play—and enjoyed a nine-year career. He understands what it takes to achieve success, having been a key player on the New York Giants team that upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 42, halting their chance for a perfect season.

Pierce has seen it all. If someone objects to his methods, they can voice their opinions directly to him.

It reminds me of what Raiders owner Mark Davis told me shortly after Pierce was named the permanent head coach in January—making Pierce the 13th head coach for the franchise, counting interim positions, since Jon Gruden’s first departure after the 2001 season. Numerous attempts have been made to find the right fit, resulting in many lackluster seasons.

“It was a nine-to-ten-week interview process,” Davis shared with YSL News Sports. “When I appointed him as the interim coach, it was clear he was special. He grew up in Compton, and the Raiders were there then. He understood the Raider culture. He became a Raider at heart. Once you’re in, that’s where it’s at.”

The Raiders’ culture may not have resulted in significant victories for years, but it still evokes the classic NFL ambiance, often narrated by John Facenda, proclaiming, “The autumn wind is a Raider, pillaging just for fun.”

For decades, this franchise has provided opportunities for unconventional candidates. Look back at figures like Jim Plunkett, Tom Flores, and Art Shell, or even Amy Trask.

Despite having no coaching experience beyond his high school tenure at Long Beach Poly High School, Pierce was the ideal solution last season after Josh McDaniels lost the locker room. The team responded immediately—playing with enthusiasm—which led to a 5-4 finish, convincing Davis that Pierce deserved a long-term opportunity. Davis indicated that other key figures he consulted—Raiders alumni, current players, and staff—agreed with that decision.

However, a fundamental question remains concerning sustainability and consistency in program-building. This applies whether or not there are concerns about the team’s talent or the capabilities of their quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew and young backup Aidan O’Connell.

Pierce openly states that he would prefer a roster filled with players who exhibit the same effort as Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby. Perhaps effort can bridge some of the talent gap.

Are the players still buying into this vision? This raises the possibility that Pierce, in tandem with new GM Tom Telesco, felt compelled to send that warning about “business decisions.” With a 6-6 record in his first 12 games since taking the position last season, he might also be anticipating the upcoming matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Although it’s early in the season for must-win discussions—the Raiders still have five more AFC West games—losing the first two home games isn’t an ideal way for a tough team to establish itself as a playoff contender.

Time will tell how the team responds. It won’t be easy with Crosby missing practices this week due to an ankle injury and star receiver Davante Adams dealing with a hamstring issue.

Regardless, displaying such a lackluster performance after a strong comeback win against a projected Super Bowl contender like Baltimore in Week 2 is precisely what Pierce expressed concern over in his offseason discussions.

“It’s going to be a challenge every week,” Pierce noted. “I believe our style of play aligns with what’s necessary to win in this division. We just need to maintain consistency. We can’t have those erratic performances. I think we have a solid understanding of what’s needed.”

Pierce is the right person to remind his team of what won’t suffice. After all, the business of the NFL is on the line in multiple ways.