The Las Vegas Raiders may not be expected to compete for a Super Bowl come the start of the 2024 NFL season, but the key thing to watch out for is how they build their identity under head coach Antonio Pierce.
Pierce has talked about wanting the Raiders to be a physical, smash-mouth football team that wins in the trenches and their roster moves seem to signal that shift in philosophy.
Las Vegas has arguably the best one-two punch along the defensive line in the league in Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, so this leaves the offense as the questionable piece of the team’s plans.
Entering the offseason, Pierce made it known that the starting quarterback would come down to Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew.
After a lengthy quarterback battle behind the scenes, Pierce announced that Minshew would start the new season as the starter.
Once the news made the rounds, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky gave his quick reaction via his personal Twitter account.
“Easy choice given how pre season went and Minshew track record as a player,” Orlovsky tweeted.
Easy choice given how pre season went and Minshew track record as a player https://t.co/ObtZlxDxZs
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 18, 2024
Minshew had a strong preseason showing and has the experience to lead the team, making it somewhat of an easy choice for Pierce and his staff.
Although he might not be able to elevate a team as other star quarterbacks can, Minshew is able to lead an offense and keep it on schedule.
O’Connell will now slide in as the backup, though there’s a world where he could get another shot as the starter if Minshew gets off to a slow start.
