If Raiders coach Antonio Pierce decides to change quarterbacks, he may have to stick with Aidan O’Connell for the rest of the season. Otherwise, what would be the reason?
Pierce made it clear when he became Las Vegas’ interim coach midway through last season that O’Connell would be the starter for the remainder of that season.
However, he wasn’t ready to say for sure on Monday whether sitting Gardner Minshew — the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the first five games — would mean a permanent switch to O’Connell. Pierce didn’t want to commit to anything just yet, at least publicly, so he avoided answering those questions.
But this situation has to be on his mind as the Raiders (2-3) look to bounce back after Sunday’s 34-18 loss to the Broncos.
Minshew was benched during the game after throwing two interceptions, but O’Connell didn’t improve the team’s performance either, passing for only 94 yards with one interception.
The last thing Pierce wants is to keep switching quarterbacks throughout the season, so if he and the staff believe Minshew still gives the Raiders the best chance to win, they will likely stick with him.
There is also the consideration of whether O’Connell has a future with the team. If Pierce chooses to go back to O’Connell, it will mainly be about the bigger picture rather than just trying to win each week.
Pierce may not be ready for that yet, as he aims to save the season with 12 games remaining.
“I’ve seen enough Aidan last year and a lot this year,” Pierce said. “I know what to expect when Aidan gets in the game.”
The real issue for the Raiders is that the quarterback they need isn’t currently on the roster. That player could still be in college or may be on another NFL team, as neither O’Connell nor Minshew has shown they can lead the Raiders to be contenders.
