According to a recent report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Aidan O’Connell currently holds a slight edge over Gardner Minshew in the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting-quarterback battle following the OTA and minicamp sessions.
Fowler provided the following insights on the situation:
“O’Connell and Minshew in the spring went tit for tat; went after it. O’Connell probably has the slight edge right now based on coming into Year 2, being more vocal. I’m told he’s acting like a starting quarterback and Davante Adams loves him, which always helps certainly with the brownie points.”
“But Minshew has come in, shown some moxie. He’s already got the offense, he’s changing plays at the line of scrimmage, I’m told,” Fowler said. “He’s been good at the off-script stuff.”
What does this mean for the Raiders?
It’s important to note that the quarterback decision is far from being finalized. The final choice will likely be made after training camp and the preseason games, as there is no rush to make a decision at this point.
While O’Connell may currently have a slight lead in the competition, it’s essential to remember that the season is still 75 days away from kickoff. Raiders’ coach Antonio Pierce emphasized that O’Connell earned the first snaps based on his incumbent status, as reported by Fowler.
Both O’Connell and Minshew have shown promise, with O’Connell displaying growth and vocal leadership while Minshew brings his own unique qualities to the table. It’s worth noting that star receiver Davante Adams has expressed his support for O’Connell, potentially influencing the decision-making process.
Ultimately, the Raiders are looking for one of the quarterbacks to step up and take control of the position. While O’Connell may have a slight edge currently, the competition is still ongoing, and Minshew could easily outperform him during the summer practices.
Fowler’s report sheds light on the dynamics of the quarterback battle, but it’s important to remember that the final decision is yet to be made. With training camp ahead, both O’Connell and Minshew have the opportunity to make their case for the starting role.
If Minshew proves himself during the summer practices, Adams and the coaching staff may lean towards him as the starting quarterback. The competition is far from over, and the final decision will likely be based on performance in the upcoming months.
In conclusion, while Fowler’s report provides valuable insights, the quarterback battle for the Raiders is still ongoing. The upcoming practices and preseason games will be crucial in determining who will lead the team onto the field for the regular season.