The Las Vegas Raiders were the last NFL team to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs before their Super Bowl LVIII victory. As they gear up to face the reigning champions twice in 2024, head coach Antonio Pierce has devised an unconventional strategy to challenge the dynasty.

In their previous victory over the Chiefs, the Raiders succeeded in limiting Kansas City’s effectiveness, holding them to a 20-14 defeat at Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders’ defense notably restricted the Chiefs to a 5-of-16 conversion rate on third downs and limited their red-zone efficiency to 2-for-4, while also creating two turnovers that resulted in defensive touchdowns. While replicating the feat of scoring defensive touchdowns against the formidable Chiefs offense is difficult, Pierce recognizes the necessity for innovative approaches.

During an appearance on All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby’s podcast, Pierce disclosed his plan to utilize the ‘Jordan Rules,’ a defensive strategy famously employed by the Detroit Pistons to contain basketball legend Michael Jordan, as a means to stifle Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.

“We have the Jordan Rules and, for the duration that I’m here, the Patrick Mahomes Rules. The Pistons used to beat Jordan [behind] when he was going through it with them, those players in the 1980s before he became Air Jordan. Every time he approached the hole: affection touches, feeling him, elbows. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we’re inside his thoughts.I so repeatedly showed my guys Jordan getting his [tail] whooped.

Pierce’s defensive strategy in the Raiders’ previous matchup against Kansas City demonstrated its effectiveness. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback, concluded the game with a modest 73.6 QB rating, enduring four sacks and throwing a pick-six, all while averaging just 5.3 yards per attempt.

Interestingly, this game held significance for the Chiefs beyond the loss itself. Head coach Andy Reid identified it as a pivotal moment in their season, a turning point that propelled them towards their Super Bowl victory. Reid went as far as personally acknowledging Pierce’s contribution to Kansas City’s championship success just hours after the Chiefs lifted the Lombardi Trophy.

Indeed, implementing a physical defensive style akin to the Bad Boy Pistons’ approach may not prove sustainable in the NFL. The league has implemented rules specifically aimed at safeguarding quarterbacks, and star players often receive preferential treatment, particularly concerning roughing the passer penalties.

Moreover, the fundamental premise of the Pistons’ strategy—keeping the ball away from Jordan—is inherently unfeasible in football, where possession alternates between teams. This means that even if the Raiders manage to disrupt Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense, Mahomes will still have numerous opportunities to make an impact and score points.

While the Raiders’ defensive mentality was effective in their previous meeting against the Chiefs, it remains to be seen if they can consistently apply the so-called ‘Mahomes Rules’ to thwart the three-time Super Bowl champion in future encounters.