The Las Vegas Raiders are coming out of their bye week, having made some major moves on the staff.
The organization opted to part ways with three offensive staffers, headlined by offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. In the process, they named Scott Turner as Interim Offensive Coordinator while also adding his father, Norv, to the staff as well in an advisory role.
However, there was one change that Antonio Pierce and company did not make, which came at the quarterback position. Despite being benched three times in the first nine games, Pierce announced on Wednesday that they'd continue riding with journeyman Gardner Minshew. He also happened to do so in a not-so-confident manner.
"What do we got to lose at this point, right?," Pierce said via Tashan Reed of the Athletic. "We're 2-7. ... I'm looking forward."
While Minshew may appreciate the opportunity, some fans have begun to speculate that Minshe will help the team tank more so than Desmond Ridder would.
The Raiders added him in late October, and despite replacing Minshew a couple of times, he has yet to take the job. Something that has fans convinced that the tank is on.
"Good. Minshew gives them the best chance to lose," wrote one fan about the news.
"Committed to the tank. Respect," wrote another.
"Translation to “Ridder gives us the best chance to wins games but Minshew gives us the best chance to get the first pick in the draft," chimed in another.
"Minshew is the tank commander," commented one user.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10).
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Whether or not Ridder is better than Minshew is unknown and likely irrelevant, as they've both had some major issues throughout their respective careers. On top of the struggles, neither of them is the future in Las Vegas.
That being said, there could be a case made for each to play down the stretch simply to determine who would be the better backup for whoever the Raiders draft or sign this offseason.
The Raiders are currently projected to secure the No. 5 pick in the NFL draft.
