The quarterback competition for the Las Vegas Raiders is on, and head coach Antonio Pierce is ready to see someone take charge.
Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are fighting for the starting role at training camp, and Pierce has some expectations for the two players.
“What I see is two guys competing. I told them it’s time to make that leap,” Pierce said, via the team’s official website. “Stop with the baby steps, somebody grab the bull by the horns and be the guy, and they’re trying to do that. The competition is high. … I think the key part about it is regardless of who’s in, the offense is trying to be as efficient and as effective as possible. So, you’ve got the offensive line in there with those guys and you’re trying to build that continuity with our wide receivers, and I think both quarterbacks are doing it.”
In Minshew’s best season, as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, he threw for 3,271 yards with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. He started 13 games for the Colts last season. Minshew is accurate on his long throws and has a mental toughness with the ability to stand strong in the pocket.
For O’Connell, the Raiders believe he’s earned the right to compete for a starting spot. He took over for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 9 last year and threw for 1,905 yards and 11 touchdowns in the final nine weeks.
Pierce also has an underdog mentality from his own personal career and life. He absolutely hates to lose. That’ll only add fuel to the competition of who will be the main guy at the end of camp.