The Las Vegas Raiders’ tightly contested battle for the beginning quarterback job has concluded.
On Sunday, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce named veteran Gardner Minshew II the beginning QB as an alternative of second-year passer Aidan O’Connell (h/t NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport). It is in all probability the suitable selection.
The Raiders offense has appeared extra explosive when Minshew is within the lineup. By means of two preseason video games, he has averaged 6.4 yards per move try and thrown one TD with no interceptions.
O’Connell, in the meantime, has averaged a measly 4.8 yards per move try. He additionally threw a pick-six in a 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.
Pierce famous he likes Minshew’s capacity to increase performs along with his legs and indicated he believes he may add a wanted fireplace to the locker room.
“His character is infectious, his vitality is infectious and his management is infectious,” Pierce stated of Minshew, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed. “There’s some magic about him when he does break the pocket and does his factor, however there’s plenty of instances the place the primary or second learn is there and we obtained to let it rip. And, extra importantly, caring for the soccer.”
Pierce hinted he would take into account turning again to O’Connell if the Raiders stumble with Minshew because the starter.
O’Connell went 5-5 in 10 begins final season and developed a friendship with star large receiver Davante Adams. Earlier this offseason, Adams instructed Shannon Sharpe he is a “large advocate” for the previous fourth-round decide.
Adams, nevertheless, in all probability realizes Minshew might give the Raiders a greater likelihood to win and reboot their passing assault. Final season, Vegas completed twenty third within the league in passing yards (198.8).
