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Raiders Mailbag: Quarterback change takes centerstage as team prepares for Steelers

Oct 09, 2024 at 04:01 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Aiglon Cajayon from California asked:

"Who's starting this Sunday at quarterback?"

Head Coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday morning that Aidan O'Connell will start against the Steelers.

O'Connell started 10 games for the Raiders in 2023 as a fourth-round pick from Purdue and finished with the third-most passing yards (2,218) of any rookie last season. He ultimately was beat out for the starting job this year by Gardner Minshew II in training camp, but the quarterbacks have been supportive of each other through practices.

"Obviously disappointed in that decision when it happened but I think honestly on the scout team you can get a lot of great reps," Aidan O'Connell said Wednesday. "You're going against the one defense every day and so, I try to use every day on the scout team to try to better myself, try to challenge myself as well as the guys around me."

While Minshew has completed 70 percent of his passes this season, he's also committed six turnovers – which opened the door for O'Connell to regain the starting job.

Pierce believes that O'Connell indeed elevated his game in practices, including being more vocal in the huddle compared to his rookie season.

"Out of that shell, not looking like a rookie no more, not acting like a rookie no more," Pierce said. "He has a certain presence about himself, and it's not so outgoing where you'll just notice it. But if you've been around him enough, you know he's definitely speaking up a lot more. I love how he walks around the building."

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Brennen Roup asked:

"How do you approach an excellent matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers on offense, defense and special teams?"

That's a great question Brennen, but I'll try to call it as I see it.

The offense will have their hands full with an imposing defensive line that consists of All-Pros T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. The Raiders' run game has made steady improvements throughout the season, rushing for over 100 yards as a team the past two games. As for the passing game, especially now with O'Connell as the starting quarterback, ball security and a quick release will be imperative.

"Offensively, we're just going to have to take what they give us," O'Connell said. "Make sure I'm being smart with the ball and just trying to put our guys in the best position to execute and have positive plays. That's going to be the big thing is be consistent and just have positive plays."

The defense will need to step up for Christian Wilkins, who was placed on injured reserve. Expect for Adam Butler and Nesta Jade Silvera to see their snap count increased with quarterback Justin Fields and running back Najee Harris starring in the Steelers' backfield. Linebacker Divine Deablo could return to the field this week as well, pairing back next to Robert Spillane who's leading the team in solo tackles (37).

The special teams unit is being held down by AJ Cole, who's downed 10 punts inside the 20-yard line, and Daniel Carlson who's 3-of-4 on field goals over 50 yards. The big area of improvement will be limiting kick and punt return yardage after allowing a 38-yard kick return to Tremon Smith and a 38-yard punt return to Marvin Mims in Denver.

"I think we all were a little disappointed in our special teams," Pierce said. "The coverage, obviously we lost leverage a few times, didn't really seal an edge on them and allow the returner either to crease us or to get to the sideline, and that's something that we worked on. The object of every week is to put our best 11 out there, and we're going to work on that this week."

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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.