What “Jordan rules” will Antonio Pierce use against Patrick Mahomes next season?

Antonio Pierce has been a beloved coach among fans since his time as a linebacker coach. The Las Vegas Raiders, under fired head coach Josh McDaniels, appeared distraught in the locker room. However, Pierce’s tenure as an interim head coach brought a new ray of hope for the squad.

The Raiders owner Mark Davis took the right approach by cutting the interim tag from Pierce’s title and making him the team’s next HC. Pierce is already planning a broad scenario for his team, including the tactics of stopping the reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes using the “Jordan rule.”

Antonio Pierce: Raiders to use ‘Jordan Rules’ on Patrick Mahomes

Strategizing to defeat formidable opponents like the Chiefs requires more than just raw talent, as it demands a keen understanding of the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Antonio Pierce is no stranger to this reality. With the Chiefs dominating their division and clinching three of the past five Super Bowl titles, Pierce knows that conventional tactics won’t cut it.

During a recent appearance on “The Rush with Maxx Crosby” podcast, the head coach discussed how he drew inspiration from the legendary “Jordan Rules.”

“We’ve got the Jordan Rules, and we’ve got what I’m calling now, from now on as long as I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes Rules,” he said.

The infamous Jordan rule was employed by the Detroit Pistons against basketball icon Michael Jordan in the 1980s. Pistons physically and mentally challenged Jordan by forcing this rule. Pierce plans on employing a physical, disruptive approach to rattle Mahomes and disrupt his rhythm on the field.

“You remember when Jordan was going through it with the Pistons, all those guys in the ’80s before he became Michael Jordan, Air Jordan? The Pistons used to whip his ass. Any time he came to the hole, elbows, feeling him, love taps. We touched him. We’re in his head — mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I’m touching you. So I showed my guys Jordan getting his a** whooped.”

The HC emphasized the importance of instilling a fighter’s mentality in his players. He draws parallels not only to basketball but also to combat sports like boxing and UFC. By studying clips of these sports, the veteran aims to inspire his team to approach each game with a relentless, and aggressive mindset.

The effectiveness of Antonio Pierce’s approach became apparent when the Raiders secured a hard-fought 20-14 victory over the Chiefs on Christmas Day. After that win, the team had a 1-1 record before ending their season with an 8-9 record.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs didn’t stumble for once after that loss. They secured six straight games, including four playoff games. Their achievements eventually culminated in lifting the Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Antonio Pierce’s Patrick Mahomes warning prompts NFL response

The Pistons used their infamous rules to three back-to-back playoff wins over Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the late 1980s. Antonio Pierce also showcased a fair share of success by implementing it on Mahomes on Christmas Day 2023. However, his bold take on the Super Bowl MVP and the Chiefs was not well received by fans and analysts.

However, some critics dismissed Pierce’s remarks as overstated or overly focused on a single victory in the regular season.

Skip Bayless wrote, ‘Love what my man Antonio Pierce said for all to hear about Mahomes. As the late great Al Davis said, the QB must go down early in games “and he must go down hard.” I knew Al well. His old-school, real-school spirit lives on in his new head coach.’

During the game, the Raiders’ defense executed Pierce’s strategy admirably. The D-line sacked Mahomes four times and applied relentless pressure with 10 quarterback hits. Such defensive prowess led to two crucial defensive touchdowns, including a pivotal interception. However, containing Mahomes remains a daunting challenge.

With comparisons to NFL legend Tom Brady already surfacing, Mahomes’ impact on the league transcends individual matchups. Even Brady himself endorsed the young quarterback on multiple occasions.

A fan wrote, “Cool story Coach. You cherish that regular season win, while KC is fitting their players for ring number 💍💍💍.Congratulations @PatrickMahomes , you’re EVERYBODYS Super Bowl.”

Some pointed out the broader context of the AFC West. They highlighted formidable competitors like the Los Angeles Chargers new era under Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers new HC has already been very vocal about his goal after transitioning from college coaching to the NFL.

A user wrote, “I understand beating KC but this is bordering on a cultish obsession and AP gotta know the Chargers with Harbaugh and broncos with Payton are in that division too.”

What’s your take on Antonio Pierce’s bold take? Share with us in the comments.