Gardner Minshew has been named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2024 season, edging out Aidan O'Connell in what was a closely-watched quarterback battle. But, when head coach Antonio Pierce had his Sunday morning press conference, he left a door wide open.
While both quarterbacks had their moments in the preseason games, Minshew's experience and his ability to manage the game, despite not throwing a touchdown in the last game against the Cowboys, played a significant role. His completion rate was lower, but his performance was seen as more indicative of what the Raiders needed to start the season.
They want a guy who can give you that deep ball more often and a guy who is more available to run the Luke Getsy offense. That guy is Minshew, in their eyes, anyway. His overall command of the offense gave him the edge. Despite O'Connell's solid performance, including a touchdown pass, his interception returned for a touchdown might have weighed heavily in the decision, even though Pierce said that Saturday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys had no effect on the decision-making.
The Raiders' next preseason game is against the San Francisco 49ers, where we won't see any starters at all, or even O'Connell, for that matter. But, that doesn't mean we won't see him ever again.
While Minshew starts the season as QB1 against the, the door isn't completely shut for O'Connell. If Minshew struggles early on, the Raiders might consider a switch, given O'Connell's performance last season and his development over the offseason. However, for now, Minshew's experience and the excitement he brings to the team have earned him the starting role against the Chargers in Week 1.
“Those two gentlemen are professionals,” Pierce said. “The way they’ve handled this competition has really resonated throughout our building, especially our staff and our team. They’ve cheered each other on. They’ve been good teammates. They’ve brought out the best version of each other in practices and in the games. They both took it on the chin like a champ.
“I told them to just both be ready,” Pierce continued. “In the National Football League, you never know. But Aidan is a younger player that has tremendous upside. I think he’ll still be a starter at some point in this league, whether it’s this year or next year. He will play in games. Gardner’s done a good job of being that older presence. … He’s been through some adversity, so that’s been good for Aidan.”
While Pierce's decision to make Minshew the starter for Week 1 and beyond was surprising , it makes a bit more sense the more you think about it. he is more comfortable with Minshew's ability to give the offense a chance to succeed every week. Now, will there be some weeks where that doesn't happen? Sure. The Raiders aren't going undefeated, and I don't think I need to tell you that for you to know that.
However, having a chance to win and a chance to move the ball up and down the field every week is something they like, especially with the deep ball in play.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce surprises everyone following loss to Dallas Cowboys
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