The Las Vegas Raiders will finally hit the field this weekend as they’re set to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
This will be the first game that Antonio Pierce acts as the head coach and while he likely won’t show his hand too much in preseason, there will still be some takeaways from the game. Reports out of Las Vegas training camp were positive as it seemed like the coaching staff and players were working well together, though now they’ll need to prove they can go out and make plays on the field.
The first preseason game will be interesting to watch as it could give a hint as to who is winning the quarterback battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. So far, there hasn’t been any indication as to who might get the nod for the regular season as the depth chart that was released listed them as co-starters.
O’Connell and Minshew may be competing for the same role, but the two have struck up a friendship and genuinely seem to be rooting for one another via SiriusXM NFL Radio:
Minshew: “I hate this dude.” 🤣
O’Connell: “It’s all an act.” 🤣
Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell discussed their relationship in the quarterback room.
📻 https://t.co/oyIPqE6Sjg@Raiders | #RaiderNation | #NFLTrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/dwHkaU34ko
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 6, 2024
In the video, Minshew jokes that he hates O’Connell, prompting the latter to suggest that the former is just putting up a show. However, Minshew goes on to explain how much he and the rest of the quarterback room have gotten along and are supporting each other both on and off the field.
Minshew goes on to say that that level of camaraderie and support isn’t seen everywhere in the league which speaks to the chemistry that is building in Las Vegas’ locker room. He ends the video saying he’s looking forward to leading the team however the quarterback situation plays out, a sign that he’s fully bought into doing whatever’s asked of him.
It’s early, but the positivity from players like Minshew suggests that the Raiders could indeed find some success during the 2024 season.
Raiders’ AJ Cole roasts Daniel Carlson
Minshew and O’Connell aren’t the only ones joking with each other. AJ Cole recently had a hilarious response when asked about Daniel Carlson practicing his tackling drills. Because of the new kickoff rules, Carlson said he was gearing up to tackle, but Cole retorted that the kicker must be doing his drills at home with pillows.
