Did Raiders Make Correct QB Decision?

The Las Vegas Raiders officially named veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew the starter going into the regular season. Minshew had been involved in a position battle with sophomore signal-caller Aidan O'Connell throughout training camp. The Raiders ultimately made the right decision.

The Raiders dropped their second preseason game on Saturday, falling 27-12 to the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Antonio Pierce had previously stated that a decision on the starting quarterback would be reached following the second exhibition contest. The announcement was made less than 24 hours later.

Minshew received the start against the Cowboys. He led one scoring drive and endured several frustrating moments, finishing 10-of-21 for 95 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Minshew didn't make any sizable mistakes, however, something O'Connell can't claim.

O'Connell was generally effective, finishing 14-of-20 for 96 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, the turnover was a backbreaking, a 69-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter that ended Vegas' comeback hopes. It was a bad read and decision by O'Connell, who undoubtedly suffered a setback in his effort to claim the starting quarterback gig.

Minshew was signed by the Raiders earlier this offseason to a bridge-type contract, a two-year agreement worth up to $25 million. First-year general manager Tom Telesco was in the market for a starting quarterback after cutting ties with Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Raiders, who owned the No. 13 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, opted for Minshew as opposed to positioning themselves to draft a premium prospect at the position. Bo Nix, who has aced the preseason thus far, was selected by the Denver Broncos one pick earlier at 12th overall.

Minshew started 13 contests for the Indianapolis Colts last season after rookie starter Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending injury. The former sixth-rounder completed 62.2% of his passing attempts, throwing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He compiled a record of 7-6 and nearly led the Colts to the postseason.

It was O'Connell who replaced Garoppolo as Pierce's starting quarterback down the stretch last season. The former Purdue standout performed admirably, compiling a record of 5-5 in 10 starts with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. O'Connell entered camp with a legitimate chance to win the job, but Minshew's experience made the difference.

It was O'Connell who started Las Vegas' preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings. O'Connell completed 7-of-9 passes for 76 yards. He led the Raiders on an impressive 83-yard, 15-play drive that concluded with a field goal. Minshew later replaced him at quarterback and was equally as impressive, throwing for 117 yards and a touchdown. Minshew appears to have command of Luke Getsy’s offense.

Minshew probably isn't a long-term solution, but he gives the Raiders their best chance at being competitive in 2024. He'll likely be on a short leash with O'Connell waiting in the wings for his opportunity. Naming Minshew the starter was an appropriate decision given his experience and preseason performances.