Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce named Gardner Minshew the team’s starting quarterback. This decision comes after a competitive training camp and preseason battle between Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
Neither quarterback clearly distinguished themselves through their preseason performances, making the decision difficult for the coaching staff. The decision could have been decided by a pick six thrown by O’Connell in the second preseason game.
“His [Minshew’s] personality is infectious,” Pierce said on Sunday in a media call. “His energy is infectious. His leadership is infectious. Things of improvement: footwork in the pocket, staying on script. There is some magic about him when he does break the pocket and does his thing, but there is a lot of times where the first or second read is there, we have to let it rip. He understands that. More importantly, taking care of the football.”
Gardner Minshew 2023 Season
Minshew signed with the Raiders as a free agent in March 2024. He is entering his sixth NFL season. He previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and most recently, the Indianapolis Colts.
In the 2023 season with the Colts, Gardner Minshew appeared in all 17 games. He started 12 games in 2023 after taking over for an injured Anthony Richardson in Week 6. Minshew’s performance earned him his first Pro Bowl nomination, as he passed for 2,752 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He also led the Colts to a 6-6 record in his starts, nearly making the playoffs.
Aidan O’Connell 2023 Season
Aidan O’Connell started 10 games as a rookie for the Raiders in 2023. He took over for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 8. He led the Raiders to a 5-5 record in those starts. However, O’Connell’s play couldn’t secure the 2024 starting job in training camp.
The Raiders season opener will be on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 8th. Gardner Minshew will start at quarterback for the Raiders. Justin Herbert will start for the Chargers.