Antonio Pierce Looking For 'Fast Start' From Raiders Offense

The Las Vegas Raiders finally named their starting quarterback, giving veteran free-agent signing Gardner Minshew the nod over second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced the decision on Sunday morning following Las Vegas' preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

Speaking on the decision, Antonio Pierce stated, "A lot of things went into it. It wasn't based off of [soleley] last night. There's a lot of factors. So, we feel like Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start, and that's what we're going with."

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Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Raiders back in March after coming off his first Pro Bowl campaign in 2023. Despite entering last season as the backup, an injury to Anthony Richardson thrust Minshew into the starting role and he didn't disappoint, throwing for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Minshew displayed solid play in the preseason as he continues to work himself into a new system with the Raiders, completing 16 out of his 33 pass attempts for 212 yards.

After Las Vegas' preseason loss to Dallas on Saturday night, Minshew stated, "I think we both put together a great body of work, played some great ball and left it up to Coach to make a hard decision. I'm super optimistic about what we're going to be able to do as a team this year."

O'Connell showed flashes of potential as a franchise quarterback in his rookie season after being thrust into action with an injury to Jimmy Garoppolo, throwing for 2,218 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions, leading the Raiders to a 5-5 record and a 3-1 record in their final four games.

Las Vegas elected to give O'Connell a chance at winning the job this offseason while bringing in veteran competition in Minshew.

The Raiders have one more preseason game this week versus the San Francisco 49ers on Friday night before they gear up for their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Led by Minshew, Las Vegas will have a good opportunity to get out to the fast start Antonio Pierce was talking about versus a depleted Chargers squad playing in a new system under Jim Harbaugh.

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