Why Aidan O’Connell Should be the Raiders' Starting Quarterback

With the NFL’s regular season rapidly approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders still have a huge question mark at the quarterback position.

Featuring one of the few quarterback battles around the NFL this offseason, the Raiders will choose between 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell and sixth-year quarterback Gardner Minshew to lead their offense this season.

While Gardner Minshew presents a solid veteran presence, there are several reasons why O’Connell could win the job.

Here’s why Aidan O’Connell should be the Raiders’ starting quarterback entering the season.

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Though he’s still a relatively raw talent at quarterback, Aidan O’Connell showed flashes of potential as a franchise quarterback in his rookie season. O’Connell was thrust into the starting role after Jimmy Garoppolo went down with injury and he played well given the circumstances.

O’Connell appeared in 10 games as the starter, going 5-5 in that stretch. He completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,218 yards and 12 touchdowns.  O’Connell showed the organization enough in his rookie season to give him a shot to win the starting job in training camp.

Earlier rumblings from this offseason indicated that O’Connell held the edge over Minshew, but no official decision had been made.

As the starter, O’Connell would likely give the Raiders’ offense a higher ceiling with a stronger arm.

O’Connell’s rapport with the veterans on the offense could also be considered a strength, with Davante Adams offering his praise to the quarterback throughout the offseason.

With the team’s position battle coming down to the wire, expect a decision from Antonio Pierce sooner rather than later.

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