The Las Vegas Raiders likely thought it was a good idea at the time.
When the Raiders decided to gather shortly before their scheduled game against the Kansas City Chiefs at midfield at Arrowhead Stadium, it probably was an exercise in trying to claim some road game mojo. Arrowhead is known around the NFL as a very tough place to play, so perhaps the Raiders were hoping to movie moment, a way of finding inspiration away from Vegas before a big divisional game.
It turns out that none of it worked. In fact, it likely backfired given how badly they were beaten by the Chiefs in a final 48-9 victory.
After the game (and even during it) plenty of Chiefs players, past and present, noticed the Raiders’ behavior and took exception—or just couldn’t stop laughing. Deandre Baker has the right approach here—to not only laugh at the Raiders’ ridiculous antics but also to remind himself and everyone that there’s a better approach to take.
https://twitter.com/DreBaker1_/status/1470142490099470336
Fellow defensive back Armani Watts had some harsher words for the Raiders and we’re here for all of it.
Thought shit was sweet huh gone head and take that cool down lap little brothas https://t.co/W4B5VlOvND
— Armani Watts (@ArmaniWatts23) December 12, 2021
Like many of us, Willie Gay didn’t have anything else to add because he was just so busy laughing at the entire episode.
https://twitter.com/WillieG___/status/1470140448584998912
Fellow cornerback Chris Lammons was tweeting during the game since he’s on IR, a move made earlier this week, and yet he was busy laughing with Gay as well.
All that cappin before the game 😂 https://t.co/uGPo0Ksyza
— Chris “Lockdown” Lammons (@Lammons_1) December 12, 2021
Even former players were getting in on the conversation, as former Chiefs defensive end Mike DeVito says it best with a snarky approach. The Raiders are well-coached after all.
Good thing the Raiders stood on the logo
— Michael DeVito (@MikeDeVito70) December 12, 2021
Both Schwartz brothers also weighed in. Former Chiefs lineman Geoff Schwartz was laughing like some other players but Mitch, the team’s longtime right tackle, kept coming back to it throughout the game.
😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/U7aE4khwxR
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 12, 2021
True toughness is huddling on a logo while the other team is in the locker room https://t.co/q1P0tkVesK
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) December 12, 2021
Raiders should huddle on the field at halftime. Could try the 50 yard line but that doesn’t seem to work. Pick an end zone, like we used to do in high school. Maybe that’ll get em in the mood.
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) December 12, 2021
The pregame shenanigans by the Raiders will go down as one of the dumbest moments in this rivalry. Stomp on your opponents logo at midfield while they’re in the locker room, then come out and get SMACKED from literally the first play and totally beat down all game. 48-9 final
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) December 12, 2021