The Raiders went out in free agency and signed veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew. He’s proven himself as a solid backup and can step in and win, when needed. They also still have second year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who proved he can win and possibly be the future of the organization. The Raiders want a franchise quarterback. Aidan O’Connell could possibly be that guy.
Even though they signed Gardner Minshew, what I said about him is pretty accurate. He’s a guy who can step in and win some games when needed, but he hasn’t proven to consistently win games especially when they really matter. Minshew is 15-22 overall as a starter. But he’s thrown 59 touchdowns to 24 interceptions, so you’d think his record would be a little better. None the less, he’s a solid and serviceable backup.
Aidan O’Connell on the other hand, he is 5-5 overall as a starter. A small sample size, but he was also thrown into the fire unexpectedly. He was never supposed to be the starter, and he was thrown in as a rookie with an offensive coordinator who has never called a play before. The Raiders brought in former Bears offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy, who is a very experienced and solid play-caller. The Raiders also beefed up the offensive line this offseason to protect the quarterback. Aidan threw 12 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. O’Connell was getting more and more comfortable every game, the final four games of the season, he threw eight touchdowns to zero interceptions. The Raiders went 3-1 in that span.
In my opinion, I think Aidan O’Connell will win the starting job. Head coach Antonio Pierce loves him and so does star WR Davante Adams. As a rookie thrown into the fire last year, he did very well given the circumstances and was getting better every game. Plus, the Raiders need a franchise quarterback. O’Connell will be 26 right before the season begins in September. He can be the guy, but it’s all up to him to continue to get better and prove himself.
