Raiders' QB switch was necessary, but it still won't save their season

Minshew is 2-3 in five starts and has thrown more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four). In a 34-18 Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, he threw two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six to cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and O'Connell replaced him late in the third quarter.

Still, O'Connell isn't a far better option than Minshew. In two games this season, he has completed a below-average 59.4 percent of his passes for 176 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The 2023 fourth-round pick started 10 games during his rookie season, going 5-5 and posting a subpar 40.5 QBR. 

Whether O'Connell retains the starting job or Minshew gets it back, don't bank on either saving the season. Even an elite QB would probably struggle to overcome Vegas' problems. 

Of course, star wide receiver Davante Adams recently requested a trade and isn't expected to play Sunday because of a hamstring issue, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

On Tuesday, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported the Raiders will place starting defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) on injured reserve. That's a massive blow for a defense that ranks 28th in the league in points allowed (26.2).

As of Wednesday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives Vegas a 15.6 percent chance to make the playoffs, the worst in the AFC West. 

While it's still early in the season, the Raiders should consider drafting a QB to kick-start a rebuild. The 2025 class features talented passers, including Texas' Quinn Ewers, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward.