Gardner Minshew, Antonio Pierce react to Raiders QB's benching in Week 5

Mike Moraitis

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Gardner Minshew, Antonio Pierce react to Raiders QB's benching in Week 5 image

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders made a change at quarterback in Week 5, with the team going from Gardner Minshew to Aidan O'Connell after the former struggled mightily against the Denver Broncos.

The Raiders got off to a hot start offensively, with a touchdown and field goal in the first two drives. But when Minshew had an opportunity to put his team up 17-3, he tossed a pick-six on a throw from the Broncos' five-yard line, which completely flipped the script the rest of the way.

The Broncos went on to score 34 unanswered points to ultimately close out a 34-18 victory. Minshew, who completed 12-of-17 passes for 137 yards and one touchdown, threw a second pick later in the game before O'Connell got the football.

O'Connell didn't have much success after entering the game. He finished 10-of-20 for 94 yards and also threw an interception. He didn't get much help from his offensive line, either.

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After the game, head coach Antonio Pierce said he wasn't sure what the team will do next week.

Minshew made it clear that no matter what the decision is, he's ready to help the team in any way he can.

“It is what it is, try to help the team whatever I can, try to still be in Aidan's ear, tell him the things I've been seeing. Keep providing a positive presence on the sideline," Minshew said of being benched, per Vegas Sports Today.

"At the end of the day, no matter what my role is on the team, I’m gonna try to help the team anyway I can.”

At this point, the Raiders have nothing to lose by going to O'Connell to see if he can provide the consistency this offense so desperately needs. We've seen enough of Minshew to know he can't do that. 

The Raiders draw the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.