Could the Raiders be the next team to switch quarterbacks?
Head coach Antonio Pierce avoided a question on that subject, not ruling it out during Monday’s press conference following Sunday’s 36-22 loss to the Panthers.
The Bears inserted sophomore quarterback Aidan O’Connell into the Week 3 contest after the game was effectively decided. Pierce noted that he was looking for an offensive spark.
O’Connell was 9-of-12 for 82 yards with a TD while starter Gardner Minshew went 18-of-28 for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
“I mean, there are some plays I know — like we always say — you have to make and take advantage of. But I thought we did. Do some good thingsPierce said when asked about Minshu. “The problem is, when you’re not winning on early downs, these long third downs — it’s not in the best interest of our offense and Gardner. So we’ve got to be better on early downs and make it easier for him on third down.
Regarding O’Connell’s performance, Pearce said, “Well, I think, you look at how the game went, we’re down two scores or so, let Aidan come in, see what he can do with the offense, get it going. We’re trying to find a spark.
Does O’Connell, Minshew and the offense mean anything going forward?
“I think we have to work with the players and evaluate everything from yesterday,” Pearce said.
That lack of response is significant. Through three weeks, Minshew has completed 74 percent of his passes for 747 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also lost a interception.
But the Raiders had no semblance of a run game, averaging 2.8 yards per carry on 55 attempts. The runs have resulted in five first downs.
O’Connell went 5-5 as a starting quarterback for Las Vegas last year, completing 62.1 percent of his throws for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 total appearances.
The Raiders will host the Browns in Week 4.
