The biggest story coming into Las Vegas Raiders training camp is the quarterback battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. With hopes of a postseason run and a ton of offensive talent, getting the right person under center is absolutely imperative.
While O’Connell showed some flashes last season and looked very competent as a rookie, Minshew has much more experience overall and nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs last year. But regardless of who ultimately comes out on top, the veteran plans on helping the Raiders in any way he can.
Minshew recently spoke on the battle between himself and O’Connell, noting that it will be tough and only one of them can win, but both will do whatever they can to make the Raiders better, via Raiders Newswire’s own Ryan Ward:
Gardner Minshew on QB battle: “It’s going to be a competition. It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be only one guy on the field, but that doesn’t mean we’re all not going to help push this team in every way that we can.” #Raiders
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) July 24, 2024
Minshew would continue on, adding that whoever can better lead this team to wins will be the one under center when the season gets underway, via Ward:
Gardner Minshew: “If I can lead this team to wins, I’ll be out there. If Aidan [O’Connell] does it better, he’ll be out there.” #Raiders
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) July 24, 2024
The battle will be closely watched, and head coach Antonio Pierce and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will take everything into consideration before making their decision. But it is certainly good to hear that even if he loses, Minshew won’t be holding his head down but rather will continue to try and help the Raiders win.
The Raiders have the potential to be a playoff team, but only if they get good play from the quarterback position. Whether it is Minshew or O’Connell, the pressure will be on them to perform once the season begins.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce gives update on QB battle between Gardner Minshew & Aidan O’Connell
Coming into training camp, there were some who may have felt that Aidan O’Connell may have a little leg up in the competition with Gardner Minshew as he finished last season as the Raiders starter and has more of a rapport with his teammates. But head coach Antonio Pierce made it clear that isn’t the case.
Pierce recently said that neither Minshew nor O’Connell has an advantage at this time while adding that he, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, and general manager Tom Telesco will all be involved in making the final decision.
