The stage is set for an intense division game between the Raiders and the undefeated Chiefs

Pierce also has a good relationship with Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, bonded through their time together in New York.

Spagnuolo was Pierce's defensive coordinator for two seasons when the Raiders coach was with the New York Giants. During that span, he compiled a 22-10 regular season record and defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Pierce was the team's leading tackler in each of those seasons, totaling 197 tackles between 2007 and 2008. He has mentioned several times that Spagnuolo has served as a mentor to him since he started coaching.

“Steve Spagnuolo, what he's capable of – the pressure, this year you're seeing them turn into something different,” Pierce said. “They have different personnel groupings, don’t play as blitz-happy, but are still aggressive. You're still brave as a linebacker. They do a good job with their staff and just get their players to do exactly what is asked of them. And then.” When plays need to be made, they make them, and especially in critical moments of the game, in the red zone, in the second minute or on third down, that's when they're probably at their best.

“This staff is very good, and that's obviously why they've won two Super Bowls in a row now.”