Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders HC Antonio Pierce clarifies team's starting QB situation

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 25, 2024 5:19 PM ET

Gardner Minshew's job seems safe for now.

During his Wednesday news conference, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed Minshew will remain their starting quarterback in Sunday's home game against the Cleveland Browns (1-2).

"There's no issue. Gardner Minshew is quarterback," Pierce said.

In a 36-22 Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Raiders backup QB Aidan O'Connell replaced Minshew in the fourth quarter. In his Monday news conference, Pierce said he was looking for a "spark" and seemingly didn't rule out benching the six-year veteran.

During a Tuesday episode of FanDuel's "Up & Adams," Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams indicated Minshew isn't the reason they're 1-2, and instability at the most important position may hamper the team.

Is it the right decision to stay with Gardner Minshew?

Davante Adams on @UpAndAdamsShow: pic.twitter.com/UiH3UY4HjP
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) September 24, 2024

"I think we've all played streaky," Adams said. "You also don't want your QB walking on eggshells because what message does that send to Aidan three weeks after naming Gardner the starter? It doesn't give you a feeling of security."

Perhaps Adams vouching for Minshew swayed Pierce. Still, it wouldn't be shocking if he considers a QB switch again.

"I'm not saying Minshew was one of the guys Pierce was accusing of making 'business decisions' in [the loss to Carolina], but he is 24th in QBR (44.1) through two weeks," wrote ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano on Wednesday. "We often see teams make a change at starting QB just to shake things up, even when it's not all the quarterback's fault. I wouldn't be surprised to see O'Connell starting soon."

However, O'Connell, a former fourth-round pick, may not be a better option than Minshew. During his rookie season in 2023, he went 5-5 in 10 regular-season starts and posted a below-average 40.5 QBR.

Instead of blaming Minshew, the Raiders should fix their underwhelming defense. Vegas ranks 27th in the league in points allowed (27 PPG).

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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