A handful of NFL coaches recently got brutally honest about Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew—let’s look at the good, the bad, and possibly the ugly.
The common thread we’re hearing from Raiders fans and some in the media this offseason is that, while this current team is a strong one, they’re “a quarterback away.” It’s intriguing when you hear that synopsis, especially after head coach Antonio Pierce consistently spoke up about how the organization would no longer pursue “band aids” at the heralded position. Fast forward to a few days away from Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and well, that’s what they’re working with.
Let’s be clear: that’s not necessarily a knock on Minshew’s abilities or prognostication with the Raiders. Minshew has actually won wherever he’s been; he was a Pro Bowl signal-caller for the Indianapolis Colts last season. Unfortunately for No. 15, he basically just kept the seat warm for first-round quarterbacks wherever he called home—the Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Maybe now with the Raiders, surrounded by a plethora of offensive playmakers and depth, Minshew will be able to reach his potential.
What are NFL coaches saying about Raiders QB Gardner Minshew?
The Athletic’s Mike Sando recently looked at all the quarterbacks around the league, going as far as assigning them in tiers. Despite a rather low placement, Minshew did garner some praise. An anonymous defensive coordinator praised Minshew’s poise and football acumen—his IQ, if you will.
“Gardner Minshew is a real gutsy player. Everybody on the team is going to love him. He is going to extend plays with his legs, he’s smart, [and] he will be able to function in the offense. But he’s just limited.”
Conversely, an offensive coordinator was rather honest (and blunt) when it came to Minshew’s prospects in general.
“When you play him, the kid is competitive. He will keep you in the game—and them. It’s going to be a fight.”
In fact, all the Raiders really need Minshew to do is not turn the ball over. Sure, he’s going to make some head-scratching throws and decisions at times, but don’t give it back to the opponent. In Minshew’s defense, he’s proven he can do that with a 59 to 24 touchdown-interception ratio. Just get the ball to the likes of Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, or get your tight end duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer going and get the heck out of the way.
