Raiders Players Appear to Be Enjoying Themselves With Josh McDaniels Gone
The Raiders have spent this season primarily engaged in the emanation of bad vibes.
Las Vegas's expectations for this season were modest, but the Raiders gradually engendered even more fan apathy as the season wore on. They somehow hit October's midpoint at 3-3, but losses to the Bears (30-12) and Lions (26-14) doomed the team to the cellar as the calendar turned to November.
Now, coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler are gone. Las Vegas is turning over a new leaf with interim coach Antonio Pierce at the helm, and the Raiders appear to have responded positively to the new regime.
Thursday afternoon, Jesse Merrick of KSNV-TV in Las Vegas tweeted video of wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Ameer Abdullah jovially playing with a mini basketball after practice.
The vibe in the #Raiders locker room is DEFINITELY different today
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) November 2, 2023
Davante Adams and Ameer Abdullah playing some pickup basketball after practice ???? pic.twitter.com/muHLI2YmKz
Vic Tafur of The Athletic was more succinct: "Happiest locker room ever."
Happiest locker room ever.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) November 2, 2023
Fans were pleased with the rejuvenated mood of the team.
A lot of smiling today https://t.co/6alqzozbbI
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) November 2, 2023
The Raiders locker room HATED Josh McDaniels lol https://t.co/hgmJfihYRY
— Daniel Harms???? (@InHarmsWay19) November 2, 2023
Legit tears ???? #RaiderNation https://t.co/eVhvdtsdye
— Graphk Raider (@GraphkRaider) November 2, 2023
Well it’s out in the open now that the players disliked McDaniels as much as the fans did ???? #RaiderNation https://t.co/xHTg9AZvYo
— Eric V (@ericvilla_99) November 2, 2023
Whether Las Vegas's new mood will translate to wins will be determined quickly, as the Raiders host the Giants on Sunday.