Raiders HC Antonio Pierce makes right call in starting QB competition

The Las Vegas Raiders’ tightly contested battle for the starting quarterback job has concluded.

On Sunday, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce named veteran Gardner Minshew II the starting QB instead of second-year passer Aidan O’Connell (h/t NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport). It’s probably the right choice.

#Raiders coach Antonio Pierce announced that Gardner Minshew is the team’s starting QB. Aidan O’Connell waits. pic.twitter.com/RtAU6soBiP

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2024

The Raiders offense has looked more explosive when Minshew is in the lineup. Through two preseason games, he has averaged 6.4 yards per pass attempt and thrown one TD with no interceptions.

O’Connell, meanwhile, has averaged a measly 4.8 yards per pass attempt. He also threw a pick-six in a 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

Sticks showin' up early 😤 #DALvsLV 📺 FOX5 pic.twitter.com/Xa7OEpKpjD

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 18, 2024

Picked and going the other way for a @dallascowboys TD!

📺: #DALvsLV on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/rXtTx3e2bP

— NFL (@NFL) August 18, 2024

Pierce noted he likes Minshew’s ability to extend plays with his legs and indicated he believes he could add a needed fire to the locker room.

“His personality is infectious, his energy is infectious and his leadership is infectious,” Pierce said of Minshew, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed. “There is some magic about him when he does break the pocket and does his thing, but there’s a lot of times where the first or second read is there and we got to let it rip. And, more importantly, taking care of the football.”

Pierce hinted he would consider turning back to O’Connell if the Raiders stumble with Minshew as the starter.

O’Connell went 5-5 in 10 starts last season and developed a friendship with star wide receiver Davante Adams. Earlier this offseason, Adams told Shannon Sharpe he’s a “big advocate” for the former fourth-round pick.

Adams, however, probably realizes Minshew may give the Raiders a better chance to win and reboot their passing attack. Last season, Vegas finished 23rd in the league in passing yards (198.8).