Aidan O’Connell Named Raiders’ QB1 over Gardner Minshew for NFL Week 6 vs. Steelers

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVOctober 9, 2024

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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced Tuesday that Aidan O’Connell will be the starting quarterback for the team’s Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

O’Connell replaced Gardner Minshew midway through the Raiders’ 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos. He went 10-of-20 for 94 yards and an interception.

The QB change could prove to be a lateral move.

O’Connell’s forgettable showing against the Broncos wasn’t an outlier. In 13 appearances, he has completed 61.9 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,394 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

There was a reason the Raiders signed Minshew and made him the starter from the outset. Pierce got an extended look at O’Connell last season and clearly wasn’t all that impressed.

The 26-year-old might at least still have some theoretical upside since he’s only into his second year in the NFL. With Minshew, by contrast, you know exactly what you’re getting. He’s good to have as a backup but isn’t a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL.

More than anything, Wednesday’s move symbolizes how the Raiders are treading water and should probably go all the way with a rebuild.

Star wide receiver Davante Adams is angling for an exit. The future of defensive end Maxx Crosby is the subject of speculation as well. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who’s in the first year of his $110 million contract, just underwent surgery on his foot. The Raiders’ 2-3 record might be a little flattering given what’s unfolding in Sin City.

This is shaping up to be a lost season and the franchise is bound to remain stuck in neutral until the offseason, when it either lands a proven starter at quarterback or thinks more long term and hitches its wagons to a rookie.