Las Vegas Raiders Quarterbacks Shine

O’Connell only played in the initial drive of the game. But that first drive was almost perfect for the second year QB as he went 7-9 passing for 76 yards. The Raiders did have to settle for a field goal on O’Connell’s lone drive, but the second-year signal caller drove the team down the field and made multiple high-level throws before the drive stalled inside the red zone due to a sack. You would have loved to avoided a sack and put the ball in the endzone but other than that there were no complaints for O’Connell.

Gardner time?

Gardner Minshew played the entire second quarter for the Silver and Black, leading two touchdown drives that featured a 20-yard touchdown pass to DJ Turner and a 44-yard deep ball to Tre Tucker on his second series. The 28-year-old commanded the offense admirably, tossing for 117 yards with a 50% completion rate. Minshew was able to play more and was able to build up some chemistry with the extended snaps. Even though he didn’t start it sure felt like you were watching the starting quarterback for the Raiders.

Despite an inconsistent and frustrating training camp, O’Connell and Minshew flourished on Saturday, and their performances should instill some confidence within the Raiders’ organization. Without a doubt this competition will really start to heat up within the next few weeks. But this battle is far from over.