Coaching staff switches to second-year player
The Las Vegas Raiders named second-year player Aidan O’Connell as their starting quarterback, replacing Gardner Minshew, beginning Sunday at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Here are some thoughts on the decision:
This was the clear choice:
It was always likely that the Raiders were going to turn to O’Connell after he replaced Minshew at Denver. It would have been a bad look if the Raiders gave Minshew the ball against the Steelers. Neither have looked good this season when they’ve played. But the Raiders are looking for a spark. It’s O’Connell turn to try to provide it
Could be a tough start:
The Raiders probably shouldn’t expect instant magic with O’Connell, who went 5-5 as a starter as a rookie in 2023. The Steelers have a tough defense and have allowed 73 points in five games, tied for the fewest in the league for teams without a bye. There will be no Davante Adams again this week, either. So, it will be a challenge for O’Connell.
Will there be a quick change to Minshew?
When he announced that O’Connell will play, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said he isn’t planning to flip-flop and put Minshew in soon. Yet if a change back to him is necessary, he will make it. That’s fair. But let’s face it; O’Connell is playing more because Minshew failed than he earned the job. So, this will be a fluid situation.
Decision to scrap competition was wise:
It was reported this week, that the Raiders would decide on the starter after a practice week competition. Clearly, the Raiders reconsidered. An in-season quarterback competition is unusual to say the least. Neither player would have gotten enough reps to be ready and it would affect the offense as a whole. It was best to make a decision going into the practice week to give the quarterback as much preparation time as possible. Frankly, a competition at this point would have been silly.
Protect the ball:
Minshew is out because he couldn’t protect the ball. He threw five interceptions and was picked off twice at Denver. O’Connell was also intercepted Sunday. He threw seven interceptions last season, but only threw one in his last six starts. That’s key for him.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
What’s next for Minshew?
Nothing really changes for the career backup. This was his chance to show he can be a No. 1 option and it don’t work. So, he will be a backup until proven otherwise. The Raider signed him to a two-year deal and could keep him next year a backup.
Playing for his future:
While Minshew couldn’t prove he’s more than a backup, it’s O’Connell turn. If he plays well, the Raiders could consider him as a starter next season or maybe flip him to another quarterback-needy team in the offseason. If not, he’s probably back to being a backup somewhere moving forward.