Aidan O'Connell Will Need Help from Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Line, Running Game

Much of next season's expectations have been placed on the shoulders of current starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell. The young quarterback will need help from those around him to be successful.

Dec 31, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) runs the / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders will have a quarterback competition this offseason that is sure to receive most of the attention. Offensively, there is no bigger question for the Raiders than who will be their starting quarterback next season. While that may be the question for some, General Manager Tom Telesco is focused on filling out the team’s roster with talent that has been missing the last few seasons.

Current starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell should have the upper hand in an exciting battle between him and newly added quarterback Gardner Minshew. However, Minshew has considerably more starting experience than O’Connell and could win the starting position this offseason. 

Much has been made about O’Connell’s long-term viability for the team. However, it must be noted he was thrown into the starting position with one of the oldest offensive rosters in the National Football League last season. 

The Raiders roster was littered with players forced into heavy playing time because of other players' failures or underperformance. The rookie quarterback was thrown into a situation where many other young quarterbacks would have done much worse. Essentially, the fourth-round quarterback went 5-4 while leading a flawed roster.

Las Vegas added Minshew earlier this offseason to give O’Connell competition for the starting position. While Minshew has more experience than O’Connell, which goes a long way in quarterback competitions, even if Minshew does win the starting position, he’s in a similar position as O’Connell. Minshew is a former sixth-round pick who has gotten the most out of his opportunities, although his opportunities weren’t always the most advantageous of situations.

Both quarterbacks were late-round picks who played well enough to earn more opportunities as starters. Although they are not the most physically gifted professional football players, they have the skills and determination to win any legitimate quarterback competition they may find themselves in. There are many similarities between both quarterbacks’ respective journeys, although O’Connell’s is just beginning. 

Regardless of who wins the quarterback competition, the Raiders must surround themselves with more talent on the offensive side of the ball, especially on their offensive line. Then, the Raiders’ coaching staff must lean on their diverse backfield to help either O’Connell or Minshew be successful. 

This will be even more true if the less experienced O’Connell wins the competition. The Raiders should not put themselves in a position where so much is expected of the young quarterback, as they were forced to do last season.

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