Raiders should have started QB Aidan O'Connell since Week 1

The Las Vegas Raiders will have a new starting quarterback heading into Week 6.

Head coach Antonio Pierce announced on Wednesday that Aidan O'Connell will be replacing Gardner Minshew II under center. In five games, Minshew threw for 1,014 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.

"I mean, it was a quarterback battle early on and at this point, I think it's best to go with Aidan going forward," Pierce told reporters. I don't plan on making switches at any time. When it's time to make a switch, we'll make a switch."

It was clear that Minshew wasn't living up to expectations. It was shortsighted for Las Vegas and Pierce to think that a long-time backup would fill the hole left by Derek Carr. 

While it has taken this long to name O'Connell the starter, Pierce has been impressed with how the second-year player has carried himself in 2024.

"Out of that shell, not looking like a rookie no more," Pierce said. "Not acting like a rookie no more. He has a certain presence about himself ... I love how he walks around the building."

But O'Connell should have been the starter from the jump. He is the future of the Raiders offense and needed to continue to receive game reps in order to progress. Sitting him has only caused his progression to stall.

Now, instead of walking into a clean slate, O'Connell has the tall task of lifting the Raiders out of the bottom of the AFC West. Las Vegas has been unable to fill the holes left by the departure of Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs and Carr. With Davante Adams also wanting out, the offense will only face more challenges.

So is reaping what it has sown by not starting O'Connell in Week 1. If the 26-year-old struggles, Las Vegas could be looking for a new quarterback and additional offensive assets once again come 2025.