The Las Vegas Raiders organization has historically experienced the most success when led by castoff quarterbacks; Gardner Minshew now joins the likes of Rich Gannon and Jim Plunkett, among others—but will it translate to success?
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce had as good a seat as anyone this preseason, closely monitoring his signal-callers. Despite clearly struggling against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Pierce announced Minshew as his starting quarterback for Week 1. While Aidan O’Connell was having a notable performance in his own right, a pick six to open the fourth quarter likely played a factor. However, Pierce insists the decision to go with Minshew “gives them the best opportunity to get off to a fast start.”
Is Gardner Minshew the right fit for the Raiders?
The so-called quarterback competition has been an interesting one; it’s about as uneven as you might expect. Both Minshew and O’Connell have had their share of good (and bad) moments, but at no point did you feel, “Okay, this is the guy.” Even so, what certainly was obvious was the difference with regard to intangibles.
O’Connell will stand in the pocket and deliver a strike, but that’s as far as he can take it. Minshew, on the other hand, can make things happen if the pocket collapses or a play breaks down. Sure, he’s going to make some erratic throws; that’s a given. At the same time, he’s just as capable of throwing a dart down the field, some true razzle dazzle (as he did to Tre Tucker on Saturday).
Regardless of how you feel as a Raiders fan, you can’t ignore the history preceding Minshew. In other words, much like Gannon, Plunkett, and even the legendary Ken Stabler, Minshew now joins a long line of castoffs that went on to lead the Silver and Black to greatness. Despite having relative success everywhere he’s been, no team has ever opted to commit to Minshew.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, the Raiders’ quarterback conundrum will likely be a fluid situation. Let’s say Minshew struggles in the early going; regardless of a lack of mobility, wouldn’t Pierce switch to O’Connell? This will be an interesting season indeed.