Another indication that Patrick Mahomes is akin to the Michael Jordan of the NFL.
Reports suggest that the Raiders are gearing up to adopt a defensive strategy reminiscent of the “Bad Boy” Pistons era, particularly when facing off against Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In a recent appearance on Maxx Crosby’s “The Rush Podcast,” head coach and former linebacker Antonio Pierce disclosed the team’s intention to employ their own version of the “Jordan Rules” against Mahomes.
Pierce elaborated, drawing parallels to Michael Jordan’s encounters with the physical defense of the Pistons in the 1980s. He emphasized the importance of mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually intimidating Mahomes, akin to how the Pistons targeted Jordan with aggressive play whenever he drove to the basket.
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We’ve got the Jordan Rules and we’ve got what I’m calling now as long as I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes Rules. You remember when Jordan was going through it with the Pistons, all those guys in the ’80s before he became Air Jordan, the Pistons used to whip his [behind]. Any time he came to the hole: elbows, feeling him, love taps. We’re in his head, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. So I showed my guys Jordan getting his [tail] whooped, consistently.
While the Raiders have a historical reputation for playing a physical and imposing style of football during the John Madden era, such tactics have been less evident in recent decades.
Crosby, a standout edge rusher, has notably been able to disrupt Mahomes in the past. However, the effectiveness of the Raiders’ approach will be intriguing to observe, especially considering the current NFL rules and player protections in place.
