Gardner Minshew has built a reputation as a quarterback who can make an impact when he comes off the bench. Now, he will have the opportunity to start for the Raiders when they kick off their season next month.
Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce made this announcement on Sunday. Minshew was chosen over Aidan O’Connell.
Pierce explained that Minshew’s experience and how he managed the offense gave him the advantage.
“Certainly, some of what he showed in practice showed up in the games,” Pierce said. “A lot of stuff we can get better at. I don’t think anything here is a finished product, but based off of where we want to go in the first quarter of the season, we feel like Gardner gives us our best opportunity.”
The Raiders will play against their old rival, the San Francisco 49ers, on Friday in their final preseason game. They will start their season on September 8 in Los Angeles against the Chargers.
Minshew, now in his sixth year, almost led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs last season. He took over after rookie QB Anthony Richardson injured his shoulder four games into the season.
The 28-year-old Minshew had a record of 7-6 as the starter, throwing for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns with nine interceptions. With Richardson returning for this season, Minshew joined the Raiders, signing a two-year, $25 million contract.
Minshew was competing for the Raiders job with O’Connell, who took over in the middle of last season and went 5-4 in the latter part of his rookie year with Las Vegas.
Neither quarterback stood out clearly, which Pierce acknowledged after Saturday night’s 27-12 preseason loss to Dallas. Minshew completed 10 of 21 passes for 95 yards against the Cowboys, while O’Connell was 14 of 20 for 96 yards with a touchdown and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Both quarterbacks performed better the previous week at Minnesota. O’Connell led a 15-play, 83-yard drive that ended in a field goal, and Minshew came in to lead three series that resulted in 17 points.
