The Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up their fourth padded practice of camp and the eighth practice overall on Saturday evening, meaning we got another look at the quarterback competition between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell.
The Raiders are set to play their first preseason game this Saturday, August 10th, against the Minnesota Vikings and could enter the contest with a leader in their competition at quarterback.
Saturday's practice was a tale of two tapes for both signal-callers. Minshew had his best practice of camp, while O'Connell struggled to dissect Las Vegas' secondary all night.
According to Vic Tafur of the Athletic, Minshew tossed two touchdowns with one interception during Saturday's practice, while O'Connell failed to find the end zone and threw two interceptions.
That’s a wrap. Minshew finishes with two TDs, one to Bryant and one to Turner, and one INT. Two INTs for O’Connell.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 4, 2024
Minshew's near-perfect day at practice was a refreshing sight to witness. According to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com, the 28-year-old switched off with the first and second-team offense and orchestrated multiple drives to the one-yard line with connections to Zamir White and Brock Bowers.
The veteran also ripped off a long run to set the offense up in scoring position and evaded Maxx Crosby in the process. Minshew's touchdown passes went to Harrison Bryant and DJ Turner.
Though the former Colt had a fantastic practice, he did toss an interception to Jack Jones on a high pass intended for Tre Tucker.
Minshew hit again, by Wilkins. Crosby draws a holding call. Then a high pass through Tucker’s hands that Jones picks off.,
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 4, 2024
O'Connell arguably had his worst practice of training camp thus far. The 25-year-old had some good moments but continues to struggle with turnovers, tossing two interceptions, one to Isaiah Pola-Mao and another to M.J. Devonshire.
Big series for Palo-Mao. Nice hit on Mattison after pitch wide and then comes down with INT on deep ball that O’Connell threw into a crowd.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 4, 2024
AOC rolls out and hits Mayer on sideline. Wilson forces another throw away. Bachman goes up for a high grab …
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 4, 2024
On 3rd and 15, AOC rolls out and throws it up for grabs. Devonshire with the INT.
The fallout from Saturday's practice is pivotal in the Raiders' quarterback competition.
According to Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur of the Athletic, Las Vegas is "definitely closer to a quarterback decision, as there finally was some separation" between Minshew and O'Connell, with the pendulum swinging in the former's direction.
Given O'Connell's lackluster performance on Saturday and Minshew's excellence with the first and second teams, it's safe to assume that Minshew is currently in the lead to be Las Vegas' starting quarterback.
