The Las Vegas Raiders are currently seeing two of their quarterbacks battle it out for the starting job in 2024, with veteran Gardner Minshew facing off against second-year signal-caller Aidan O'Connell.
During the Raiders' fifth practice of organized team activities — and the second open practice of Phase Three of the offseason program — we got some updates from beat writers on the ground about how things are going with the two quarterbacks.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the defense got the better of the offense Wednesday, and it didn't matter who was under center. That's not totally surprising, though, considering Las Vegas' defense is going to be very good this year.
#Raiders are getting both Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew plenty of work with the starters during OTAs. Have to figure that'll continue into training camp until one of them separates themselves.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) May 29, 2024
It's been a good day for the defense today regardless of who's been at QB.
Reed also noted that the two quarterbacks split reps with the starters, so there's no early indication about who is in the lead based on that metric.
It wasn't all bad for the quarterbacks, though, as Levi Edwards of Raiders.com had a few positive things to say about both signal-callers:
Aidan O'Connell's pocket presence continues to improve with a quick release to his targets, while Gardner Minshew II effortlessly buys time with his feet to break down coverages.
"They're both incredible, good personalities, they balance each other well," Raiders quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello said of the pair. "They're different how they approach it, they're different how they play, but their mindsets are similar.
"They're bringing out the best in each other. We've thrown a lot at them and they've handled it well."
Reps from Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew at #Raiders OTAs this morning#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/8QZkJogWFm
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) May 29, 2024
Scangarello also praised Minshew's "grit" since coming out of college while adding, "He’s got that moxie in him, that baller in him.”
The quarterbacks coach also added that he believes someone will emerge from the battle and that "I don't think it will linger," per Reed.
We've got a long way to go before this competition is settled, as it's unlikely there will be much of a shift until the pads come on. Even then, it might take well into the preseason or later before we know who will be under center in Week 1.
