Raiders HC Antonio Pierce gives brutal assessment on QB1 battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell

With the tight starting quarterback competition between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, HC Antonio Pierce gave a harsh evaluation of the two.

Raiders HC Antonio Pierce gives brutal assessment on QB1 battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell

Antonio Pierce on battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell (Via Imago)

The Las Vegas Raiders are yet to decide whom they want to bestow the responsibilities of the starting quarterback. After no good luck with the quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, the decision of the signal-caller comes down between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Previously, when head coach Antonio Pierce mentioned the subject, he said he would make the decision soon, but didn’t specify when. 

The reason for such delay is the underwhelming performances by both Minshew and O’Connell in the training camp and the preseason loss against the Dallas Cowboys. That’s why Pierce decided to take a few more days to evaluate since the team does not have an urgency for it. 

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Yeah, we've seen enough reps. Two games, like we talked about. Our guys are not playing in the third preseason game, our starters, so we'll sleep on it and make a decision in the next couple days. --You can't take the good and not take the bad. Wish it went well for both gentlemen. It just didn't, and we'll evaluate. They both had opportunities.
Antonio Pierce told the reporters on Saturday

Since Las Vegas does not have other options, Minshew is likely to be picked above O’Connell, as his performance is better in comparison. In the first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, he logged 6-of-12 for 117 yards with one touchdown. 

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Then again, on Saturday’s game, Minshew finished with 10-of-21 for 95 yards and O’Connell posted somewhat identical yards of 96, making 14-of-20 along with a touchdown and interception. 

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Gardner Minshew edges out Aidan O’Connell in tight QB competition

Unlike other NFL teams, the decision of the starting quarterback for week 1 of 2024 has become exceptionally difficult for the Raiders. Whenever there has been competition for the starting quarterbacks in a team, one always comes forward and proves that they are the right choice. However, in the case of Raiders– neither Minshew nor O’Connell stands out above the other. 

Gardner Minshew
Gardner Minshew (via X)

But as the team had to make a decision, Pierce decided to go forward with Minshew over O’Connell and also told his decision to both the quarterback, reported NFL media. 

Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start.
Antonio Pierce said while adding that they prioritized experience.

Although the Raiders’ head coach admitted that Minshew needs to improve his footwork in the pocket and adhere to the playbook, he believes the newly signed quarterback has some magic about him when he improvises his game and the team intends to take advantage of that.

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