This past offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders brought in Gardner Minshew to challenge for the starting quarterback job.
Minshew won the job in training camp over Aidan O’Connell, but this past Wednesday, head coach Antonio Pierce benched Minshew in favor of O’Connell.
On Friday, Pierce had a very direct message for his new starter when he steps on the field Sunday against Pittsburgh.
“Take care of the football. No turnovers. No turnovers. No turnovers,” said Pierce, via Paul Gutierrez on X.
#Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, on goal for QB Aidan O’Connell vs #Steelers: “Take care of the football. No turnovers. No turnovers. No turnovers.”
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 11, 2024
Last season, O’Connell started 10 games for Vegas and passed for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He also had four fumbles and was sacked 24 times.
In Weeks 3 and 5, O’Connell entered games against Carolina and Denver, respectively, for an ineffective Minshew.
Against Carolina, he completed nine of his 12 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.
O’Connell then completed half of his passes against the Broncos for 94 yards and a pick.
Both contests ended in losses for the Raiders and the team currently stands at 2-3 and is in last place in the AFC West.
Las Vegas failed to address a dire quarterback situation this past offseason and spent its first-round pick on a tight end.
Instead of an upgrade under center, the franchise brought in Minshew, who has largely been a backup with four different teams.
The next few weeks are crucial for O’Connell and the Raiders.
After meeting the Steelers, Las Vegas plays the Rams, Chiefs, and Bengals before heading into their bye week.
A victory against Pittsburgh, losers of two straight games, will give the group confidence before facing three very talented quarterbacks in successive weeks.
