The 2024 NFL Draft was remarkable for quite a few reasons, but none more so than the fact that six quarterbacks were selected within the first 12 picks. The Las Vegas Raiders, though holding the 13th overall pick, were not part of the quarterback frenzy, opting to bolster other areas of their roster.
Leading the Raiders into the 2024 season is head coach Antonio Pierce, who stepped into the role originally as an interim following the midseason dismissal of Josh McDaniels in 2023. Pierce, known for his no-nonsense coaching style, faces a critical preseason as he evaluates his quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell.
Minshew's Contract and Performance
During the offseason, the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract, which included $15 million guaranteed. The signing indicated that the Raiders valued Minshew's experience and stability. However, his performance in a recent home game against the Dallas Cowboys raised some questions. Minshew completed just 10 of 21 passes for a mere 95 yards in a game the Raiders lost 27-12.
The O'Connell Option
Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-round pick from the 2023 draft, also saw action in the same game. O'Connell showcased both his potential and his inexperience. He completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant but also threw a costly interception returned for a 69-yard touchdown by Dallas defensive back Kemon Hall. To compound his troubles, O'Connell failed to convert a two-point attempt following his touchdown pass.
Pierce's Assessment
Antonio Pierce addressed the media with insightful candor regarding the quarterback situation. "I'm going all the way back to OTAs, minicamp, training camp, two preseason games," Pierce said. "There's going to be a lot of factors obviously right? Command of the offense, the operational part. Efficiency. The turnovers are huge. That shows up. Taking care of the football is going to be important for our team."
In a balanced approach, both Minshew and O'Connell were given nearly equal opportunities to prove their worth. "It just didn't. We'll look at it, and we'll evaluate," Pierce noted. "They both had opportunities. Aidan had 20 attempts, and Minshew had 21, so about as balanced as we can get it. We'll look at it." This even distribution of attempts underscores Pierce's commitment to a fair competition, aiming to identify the most reliable quarterback heading into the regular season.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, Pierce remains hopeful yet realistic. "Everybody wants to see a player just take it and say, 'I'm your guy,' like I've been saying from Day 1. Obviously [that's] probably not the case," he acknowledged, pointing to the ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position.
One definite decision Pierce has made is that neither Minshew nor O'Connell will play in the third preseason game. "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," Pierce confirmed. This indicates that the following games will serve as opportunities for other players on the roster to showcase their talents.
As the Raiders edge closer to the start of the regular season, Antonio Pierce's leadership and decision-making will be critical. With the quarterback competition being one of many factors to consider, the Raiders' ability to rebound from their recent loss to the Cowboys and perform consistently will be essential in determining their success during the 2024 NFL season.