Las Vegas, NV – Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is nearing a decision on the team’s starting quarterback. Following a closely contested battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew, Pierce plans to announce his choice after the preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.
Both quarterbacks split playing time in the Raiders’ preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, with O’Connell starting and Minshew taking over in the second quarter. While Pierce was pleased with the performance of both, he believes two games will provide enough data to make a final determination.
“We’ve got to get ready to play football,” Pierce said. “We’ve got enough film. We’ll have two games in to evaluate.”
O’Connell, last season’s starting quarterback, showed solid command of the offense but acknowledged areas for improvement. Minshew, known for his clutch performances, showcased his ability to move the ball down the field and find the end zone.
The Raiders’ offense is expected to be bolstered by the return of star wide receiver Davante Adams from paternity leave. Additionally, the team is hopeful that injured offensive linemen Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson will return to practice next week.
Pierce admitted to a coaching mistake in the final minutes of the Vikings game, using all his timeouts in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Minnesota’s game-winning drive.
With the regular season rapidly approaching, all eyes are on Pierce as he prepares to name his starting quarterback and lead the Raiders into the new season.
Key Points:
- Raiders quarterback competition is close between O’Connell and Minshew.
- Pierce to decide starter after Dallas game.
- Both quarterbacks performed well in preseason opener.
- Key offensive players expected to return soon.
- Pierce acknowledges coaching error in Vikings game.
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