The 2024 NFL Draft became the first ever with six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, which left the Las Vegas Raiders, who had pick No. 13, hung out to dry.
After two preseason games and the team’s entire offseason program, head coach Antonio Pierce said he would make the decision to name either journeyman Gardner Minshew, who they signed to a two-year, $25 million deal with $15 million guaranteed this offseason after playing five seasons with the Jaguars (2019-2020), Eagles (2021-20022) and Colts (2023), or 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell as the Raiders’ starting quarterback to begin the 2024 regular season.
“Yeah, we’ve seen enough reps,” Pierce said postgame Saturday. “Two games, like we talked about. Our guys are not playing in the third preseason game, our starters, so we’ll sleep on it and make a decision in the next couple days.”
It didn’t take long for Pierce to come to a conclusion after the Raiders’ home game against Dallas, a 27-12 defeat. He named Minshew the starter for the 2024 regular season on Sunday and, per NFL Media, has already told both players of his decision.
It came down to “experience.” Everything we saw in practice, some it showed up in the games,” Pierce said to the media about choosing Minshew over O’Connell.
“His [Minshew’s] personality is infectious,” Pierce said on Sunday. “His energy is infectious. His leadership is infectious. Things of improvement: footwork in the pocket, staying on script. There is some magic about him when he does break the pocket and does his thing, but there is a lot of times where the first or second read is there, we have to let it rip. He understands that. More importantly, taking care of the football.”
Minshew started the contest and he played four drives, which resulted in a turnover on downs, a 29-yard made field goal, a punt and a turnover on downs. He threw for 95 yards on 10 of 21 passing.
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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/raiders-qb-battle-gardner-minshew-named-starter-over-aidan-oconnell-antonio-pierce-explains-decision/
Author : Garrett Podell
Publish date : 2024-08-18 18:34:40
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