When the two quarterbacks competing for QB1 in Sin City took the field during Week 1’s preseason contest, Raider Nation had no idea what to expect. After one quarter of football, Aidan O’Connell ended his night by completing seven-of-nine pass attempts. Gardner Minshew stood under center in the second quarter and tossed a first-half touchdown to keep the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the Minnesota Vikings.
By all accounts, it was a successful first game for both quarterbacks. That wasn’t the case in Week 2’s preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, however.
On Saturday, O’Connell completed 14 passes for only 96 yards with a touchdown and a pick-six. His quarterback rating was 76.2. Minshew completed 10 passes for 95 yards on 21 attempts, earning a quarterback rating of 60.6.
Among all 79 quarterbacks who attempted any amount of passes in Week 2 of preseason, 59 quarterbacks posted a better passing grade than both O’Connell and Minshew via Pro Football Focus.
After the game, Antonio Pierce, the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach, made it known he wasn’t thrilled with what he saw.
“I wish it ended well for both gentlemen, and it just didn’t,” Pierce explained.
Despite playing a majority of their starters, the Raiders walked away with a 12-27 defeat at the hands of Dallas. Both quarterbacks were responsible for letting this one slip further and further away.
Las Vegas Raiders preseason: Week 2 analytics and performance breakdown of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell
Gardner Minshew
O’Connell began the Raiders’ Week 1 preseason game as the starting quarterback, but Minshew was given that honor entering Week 2’s contest. While under center against the Cowboys, Minshew completed 47.6% of his passes for three first downs with zero scores. The first-year Las Vegas quarterback was given a passing grade of 42.6; the ninth-lowest among all 79 quarterbacks.
Where Minshew shined
The arm talent was once again on display as the 28-year-old signal caller connected with Tre Tucker for a 48-yard reception. In Week 1, Minshew hit Tucker for a 44-yarder on third down. His ability to flick the ball downfield shines bright, especially next to O’Connell.
Where Minshew struggled
Far too often, the veteran was unable to read the field correctly on key downs. Minshew appeared antsy on third/fourth downs and snaps inside the red zone, with these downs oftentimes seeming to be too big of moments for him. This isn’t unusual; in 2019, with Minshew starting 12 games under center, the Jacksonville Jaguars had the 31st-highest conversion percentage in the red zone. Last season, the Colts ranked 23rd-highest in this metric under Minshew.
What the Raiders get with Minshew
At the game’s conclusion, Antonio Pierce decided Minshew did enough to earn the QB1 role heading into the regular season.
This decision was due to the superior big-play abilities Minshew has in comparison to O’Connell. His ability to flick the ball downfield in addition to incredible improvising skills make him liable to go out there and win football games by his own accord.
Meanwhile, his competitor lacks such tools.
However, while Minshew has the tools to be the main reason why his team earns a win or two, he can just as easily be the main reason why his team walks away with a loss. That’s the price Pierce is willing to pay as he opts to go with the higher ceiling in Minshew as opposed to the higher floor in O’Connell.
Aidan O’Connell
The Las Vegas Raiders continued their quarterback carousel as O’Connell came in to relieve Minshew. The second-year pro completed 70% of his passes with one score and one turnover. Although he totaled 14 receptions, O’Connell finished with under 100 passing yards on the day. He received a passing grade of 51.1 for his efforts; the 60th-highest among all QBs.
Where O’Connell shined
For the most part, O’Connell didn’t look too out of the ordinary. He made quick reads and delivered fine passes to his targets. Key downs didn’t seem to affect O’Connell the same way they did Minshew, naturally, as O’Connell is the more-poised player of the two.
Where O’Connell struggled
It’s the lack of big-play ability that continues to limit O’Connell. Due to this, when one disastrous play happens – such as the pick-six – it’s near-impossible for him to make up ground. In 2023, O’Connell totaled the 26th-most attempts 20+ yards downfield. Through two weeks of preseason play, the Purdue alum is averaging only 5.9 yards per completion. For reference, Minshew stands at 6.4.
What the Raiders get with O’Connell
Many fans believe both O’Connell and Minshew are backup-caliber quarterbacks. The two are so far from the same type of signal caller, however. While Minshew is the loose cannon who can either win you a game or cost you a game on any given night, O’Connell is the safe driver who stays in his lane and doesn’t try to get fancy.
Neither may be an ideal starting quarterback, but O’Connell is a dream QB2; an intelligent player who often makes smart choices and, although he doesn’t win you ball games, he doesn’t lose you them.
The intelligence and composure is what O’Connell brings to the Raiders. You know what you’re going to get with the 25-year-old; which, factoring in the physical limitations, is a negative just as much as it is a positive.
If somehow there was a way to combine Minshew’s big-play ability with O’Connell’s composure, the Raiders would be in good shape at quarterback. But as we know, there isn’t.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Rick Scuteri