The Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan (29) takes a diving stab at the Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeVante Adams (17) who catches the football for a touchdown in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) closed out their 2023 season taking on the Denver Broncos (8-9) at Allegiant Stadium in front of a packed crowd. It has been an up and down season for the Raiders and a win would definitely take some of the sting out of the disappointment this year and that is exactly what Las Vegas did. 

They went out and played a great game beating the Broncos 27-14. Quarterback Aiden O’Connell had a terrific game throwing two touchdowns and 244 passing yards with zero interceptions. While it was not even a five hundred season, this final game was a great way to close out 2023.

After the first quarter, the Raiders had a 7-0 lead. Jakobi Meyers rushed for five yards and the first score of this game.

The Broncos tied up the game in the second quarter. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham found Jerry Jeudy for 24 yards and the touchdown. The Raiders would take back the lead 10-7 at 7:09 when Daniel Carlson kicked a 49 yard field goal. Las Vegas tacked on more points to close out the quarter. Davante Adams caught a three yard pass from O’connell extending the Raiders lead to 17-7 at halftime.

Both defenses stepped up in the third quarter. Neither offense was able to find the end zone in the third and this game would go into the fourth quarter with the Raiders leading 17-7. Las Vegas added to their lead in the opening minute of the final quarter. 

O’Connell threw his second touchdown of the game. He connected with Meyers for 33 yards extending their lead to 24-7. The Raiders had this game well in hand. The Broncos would rush for their second touchdown of the game in an effort to remain relevant in the game but it was just too little too late. 

The Raiders would add a second field goal in the closing minutes of the game, a 21 yard Carlson kick, and that was the ball game 27-14.

This was the perfect way to close out the season and it was not long after this game ended that both players and fans made it known that their preference for next seasons coach was current interim coach Antonio Pierce. 

This would make perfect sense. This guy is without doubt a player’s coach. Pierce is beloved by not only the players but also the fans. He certainly has made waves since he stepped in. The games they lost were close and they not only beat the rival Bronco’s today but the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. In fact the “AP” chants actually began before the game had even ended.

Both teams ended the season with 8-9 records. The Raiders were able to light up those cigars after all and the locker room was, despite their record, a huge party. Former Raiders Marcus Allen, Ted Hendricks, Jim Otto, Jim Plunkett and Charles Woodson joined in on the fun. 

Now it remains to be seen who will lead this team next season. While Pierce enjoyed the celebrating today, he is no doubt hoping to continue this ride into the 2024 season. He has this team believing in him, believing what he is teaching them and that sure sounds like a perfect fit especially since he has gotten some outstanding results. 

It should not be too long before the announcement will be made. Who will be the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders next season? Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh or Antonio Pierce? Stay tuned! 

Barbara Mason covered the 2023-24 Las Vegas Raiders season for http://www.sportsradioservice.com