Do the Las Vegas Raiders have their quarterback of the future on their 2024 roster?
The Las Vegas Raiders are trapped in a seemingly never-ending cycle of mediocrity at the quarterback position, a situation that could continue entering the 2024 season. The 2024 NFL draft saw six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, which left the Raiders without the opportunity to add a young talent under center. Now, the team will decide who will given the reigns this season between second-year Aidan O’Connell and journeyman Gardner Minshew.
A Bleak Outlook
Aidan O’Connell
While O’Connell showed flashes in his rookie season (2,218 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions), his performance doesn’t inspire confidence as a leader of the offense. His most notable performance was a 63-21 win over the Chargers, but he also had shutout losses and a game with only nine completions for 62 yards.
O’Connell has the initial edge as the Raiders starting quarterback in 2024. With that said, his lack of experience and consistency raise doubts about his ability to lead the team in the long term. His conservative style, based on short, safe passes, could limit the team’s offensive potential.
Gardner Minshew
Minshew brings more experience at the quarterback position for the Raiders. However, his ceiling is also limited. Last season with the Indianapolis Colts, Minshew threw for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His best performance was a 23-20 win against the Raiders ironically enough, where he threw for 223 yards and a touchdown.
Minshew, known for his outgoing personality and ability to improvise, could inject some life into the Raiders’ offense. However, his inconsistent track record and tendency to make mistakes under pressure raise doubts about his reliability as a starting quarterback.
A Team with Potential, but Without a Leader
The Raiders have elite players at other positions, such as Davante Adams (wide receiver), Maxx Crosby (defensive end), Christian Wilkins (defensive tackle), and Kolton Miller (left tackle). However, the lack of a caliber quarterback prevents them from reaching their full potential.
Defense as a Strong Point
The Las Vegas defense was the team’s strong point last season, ranking eighth in defensive DVOA. They held their opponents to an average of 22.8 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the league.
However, the offense, on the other hand, ranked 27th in DVOA. Despite having a player like Adams, the offense couldn’t consistently generate points, averaging only 20.8 points per game, the 24th best in the league.
Lack of pass protection is another cause for concern. The Raiders allowed 40 sacks last season, the ninth-most in the league. This constant pressure made it difficult for quarterbacks to throw with accuracy and effectiveness.
An Uncertain Future at Quarterback
If the Raiders fail to find a quarterback capable of elevating the team in 2024, they could be out of the running for an elite prospect in the 2025 draft. The last time the franchise selected a quarterback in the first round was 17 years ago, with the disastrous case of JaMarcus Russell.
The question that remains: can O’Connell or Minshew take the Raiders to the next level? Or will it be necessary to look for a savior in the future?
The answer is unclear. O’Connell and Minshew have their limitations, but they have also shown the ability to win games. The final decision will depend on new head coach Antonio Pierce, who will need to evaluate both players and determine who is the best option to lead the team’s offense.
However, one thing is certain. The Raiders cannot continue to settle for mediocrity at the quarterback position. If they want to be a contender again, they need to find a player who can elevate the offense and lead them to victory.
