Why Raiders HC Antonio Pierce thinks Gardner Minshew has 'magic about him'

The Las Vegas Raiders named Gardner Minshew their starting quarterback earlier this week. 

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said there were "a lot of factors" that went into Minshew being the best option for the franchise. Pierce believes Minshew gives Las Vegas "the best opportunity to get off to a fast start" this season.

And while Minshew's just 16-of-33 this preseason for 212 yards with one passing touchdown, his 38 career starts have Pierce aware of Minshew's ability to play with confidence and sometimes even times pull a rabbit out of a hat. Minshew has six game-winning drives since coming into the league in 2019. 

"There's some magic about him when he does break the pocket and does his thing," Pierce said, via the team's website. "But there's a lot of times where if the first or second read is there, we got to let it rip. He understands that, and more importantly taking care of the football."

Minshew had a 7-6 record as the Indianapolis Colts QB1 last season, throwing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Minshew was ranked No. 13 in ESPN's Total QBR last season, ahead of top-tier quarterbacks like Houston's C.J. Stroud (No. 15) and Cincinnati's Joe Burrow (No. 20). Raiders backup QB Aidan O'Connell was No. 25.  

Minshew will be looking to build upon that success in Las Vegas with one of the best receivers in the NFL in Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, who had 71 receptions last season and 2024 first-round pick and former Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

"We got the guys who can make our plays explosive that can add on top of play that's already there and really make it come to life," Minshew said. "Playing point guard out there. Helping our team. Take care of the ball and just try to win any way possible."

It appears the Raiders locker room is on board with the decision for Minshew to be the starter, with Pierce believing Minshew's personality and leadership are "infectious." Raiders tight end Michael Mayer feels the same. 

"He's shown his playmaking ability, he's shown his leadership, he's shown everything you need to do to be QB1 for the Las Vegas Raiders," Mayer said. "Now it's time to dig in and get a really strong connection with him and play ball."

The Raiders finished 8-9 last season and have made the playoffs just twice since 2016. If the Raiders reach the postseason in 2024, it'll mean Pierce was right and Minshew does have some "magic about him."