The 2024 NFL Draft has already gone down in history as a landmark event with six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, setting the stage for an intensely competitive season ahead. Among the teams preparing for this competition is the Las Vegas Raiders, who held the 13th overall pick in the draft. The franchise, under the guidance of head coach Antonio Pierce, is now navigating the complexities of selecting their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
During the offseason, the Raiders made a significant move by signing Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract, with $15 million guaranteed. This decision indicated the team's interest in bolstering their quarterback options. Competing for the starting job alongside Minshew is Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-round pick from the 2023 draft. Both players have been in a head-to-head battle throughout the preseason, vying for the favor of Coach Pierce and his staff.
Evaluation Through Preseason
Coach Pierce has been clear about his methodology for deciding who will lead the Raiders’ offense. He has emphasized a comprehensive evaluation process that includes Organized Team Activities (OTAs), minicamp, training camp, and the preseason games. The assessment extends beyond just the performances in these settings and includes factors such as command of the offense, overall efficiency, and ball security.
"I'm going all the way back to OTAs, minicamp, training camp, two preseason games. 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," said Pierce. This meticulous approach underscores the importance of consistency and reliability in his decision-making process.
The Dallas Game: A Key Test
One of the critical assessments came during the home game against the Dallas Cowboys, which the Raiders lost 27-12. Minshew was given the start and led four drives that showcased mixed results. The drives resulted in two turnovers on downs, a 29-yard field goal, and a punt. Minshew completed 10 of 21 passes, amassing 95 yards. His performance, while not disastrous, left much to be desired in terms of efficiency and scoring ability.
O'Connell, on the other hand, demonstrated moments of promise but also faced challenges. He led the offense on four possessions, with a 27-yard field goal, a punt, a five-yard touchdown pass, and a costly 69-yard interception return for a touchdown by Dallas defensive back Kemon Hall. O'Connell's touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant was a highlight, but he failed to convert the subsequent two-point attempt.
The Decision Ahead
Antonio Pierce's comments post-game provided insights into his evaluative process and the challenge of making a final decision. "I mean, everything. You can't take the good and not take the bad. Wish it went well for both gentlemen. It just didn't. We'll look at it, and we'll evaluate. 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," Pierce stated. His remarks reflect the balanced but unenviable task of choosing between two quarterbacks who haven't yet seized the role decisively.
The stakes are high, and the choice of starting quarterback could significantly impact the Raiders' performance in the critical first quarter of the season. "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," Pierce observed, alluding to the lack of a clear frontrunner. Despite the indecision, Pierce remains committed to supporting whoever earns the starting position.
Looking Forward
As the Raiders approach their final preseason activities, Coach Pierce has made a notable decision: the starters, including both Minshew and O'Connell, will not 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 revealed. This decision underscores that the evaluation process is nearing its conclusion, and discussions with General Manager Tom Telesco and Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy will be crucial.
Antonio Pierce's rise to head coach, after stepping in as the interim head coach in midseason 2023 following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels, has been marked by decisive and thoughtful leadership. His final decision on the starting quarterback will be pivotal not only for the team’s immediate prospects but also for his tenure at the helm of the Raiders. As the preseason winds to a close, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see which quarterback will lead them into the 2024 season.