A team as fickle as the Raiders, at the moment, cannot avoid getting the limelight. I mean, Davante Adams is screaming to leave Las Vegas. What’s a bigger headline than that, right? Yes. And now, the team’s rather underwhelming QB roster was on display against the Broncos, leaving us to wonder if Adams was right all along.
NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported: “Raiders have benched QB Gardner Minshew and replaced him with Aidan O’Connell.” And that’s when fans quickly jumped in, to point out that it feels like the team is playing musical chairs with their QB roster—except no one can seem to find an empty chair to sit on!
Davante was onto something.
— KP (@KevinPawell23) October 6, 2024
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Antonio Pierce had enough of it! Late in the third quarter, with the Broncos leading 20-10, he pulled Minshew after he tossed his second interception. Minshew finished with decent numbers—12 of 17 for 137 yards, and a touchdown. But those two costly picks? Ouch!
Just two weeks after calling out his team for making “business decisions” during a blowout loss to the Panthers, Pierce had to make a tough call. It’s not like the Raiders needed any more drama this season, especially with trade rumors swirling around star receiver Davante Adams!
Now, let’s rewind to that first interception. Minshew was aiming for rookie tight end Brock Bowers when Broncos safety Patrick Surtain II swooped in for the pick-six, turning a potential two-score lead into a 10-10 tie. You can practically hear Raiders fans groaning. Instead of cruising, they were suddenly playing catch-up.
And when Minshew tossed another interception, the writing was on the wall: it was O’Connell time. But wait! O’Connell’s debut didn’t start off with a bang. He lost six yards on his first drive and then threw a pick on his second pass attempt.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Davante Adams right about the Raiders' chaos, or is he just stirring the pot?
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So, here’s the kicker: can this QB room even survive the season, let alone make a playoff push?
Fans feel Davante Adams would have stayed if not for Gardner Minshew!
That’s what the fans echoing as well. Watching Aidan O’Connell replacing Gardner Minshew mid-game is a kind of problem you don’t want to have as a franchise that wants to aim high. If not, the team, then at least for a receiver like Davante Adams, it’s hard to play with such ops. And that’s what one fan said: “Davante was onto something.” While another used a “Didn’t I tell you” GIF to suggest Davante was right all along.
Look, Adams is one of the NFL’s top receivers, but at 31, it’s clear the Raiders aren’t playoff contenders this season. So for him, it makes sense to look for pastures anew. And as for Pierce and co. they could just hope he stays. The guy’s caught 18 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown this season with however minutes he has played. And that too with this QB room.
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The criticism didn’t let up, with fans using some colorful analogies to express their frustration. One fan quipped, “Benching Gardner Minshew for Aidan O’Connell is like going from a 97 Honda to a 98 Corolla. It’s a car, but it ain’t gonna get you anywhere.” Another chimed in, saying, “If I’m the Dolphins, I’m calling the Raiders to snag Gardner Minshew.” Ouch!
So, is Minshew really the problem here? Raiders fans sure think so, and they’ve got their reasons. This season, he’s thrown for 877 yards on a solid 70.7% completion rate. But it’s those game-changing mistakes that sting. I mean, a red zone pick against the 49ers and a fumble that gifted a touchdown to the other team? Not exactly what you want from your QB!
And let’s not forget about his comments on Raiders fans; that didn’t sit well either. One fan nailed it, saying, “Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold, Joe Flacco—heck, even Russ—and they chose GARDNER MINSHEW, who makes more than all of them this season.”
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It’s clear: fans feel like they could’ve had any other QB and this offense would be thriving, keeping Davante Adams happy instead of eyeing a trade. Yes! Even Russell Wilson, who’s nursing an injury. LOL! What do you think: Should the Raiders explore other options or give Minshew more time to find his rhythm?
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Is Davante Adams right about the Raiders' chaos, or is he just stirring the pot?