The Las Vegas Raiders’ disappointing 2024 season took another intriguing turn in Sunday’s 41-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, as backup quarterback Desmond Ridder’s late-game performance has coach Antonio Pierce re-evaluating the team’s quarterback situation heading into their bye week.
Ridder’s Impressive Debut Sparks QB Controversy
Ridder, signed off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad just 10 days ago, replaced struggling starter Gardner Minshew late in the third quarter and immediately caught his coach’s attention. The second-year pro out of Cincinnati completed 11 of 16 passes for 74 yards, including an impressive 22-yard touchdown strike to rookie tight end Brock Bowers in the closing seconds.
We didn’t get to see the athleticism until late, but you did get to see that, see him move around in the pocket, see the strong arm. Again, he’s 10 days in the building, but I thought, obviously, he’s competing.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce on Desmond Ridder’s performance
While Pierce stopped short of naming Ridder the starter moving forward, his praise of the young quarterback’s poise and playmaking ability behind a patchwork offensive line dealing with several in-game injuries suggests a real quarterback competition brewing in Las Vegas.
Minshew’s Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, Minshew’s hold on the starting job grows more tenuous by the week. The offseason free agent acquisition, who inked a two-year, $25 million deal with $15 million guaranteed, was pulled for the third time this season after a fumble on a botched handoff pushed his league-leading turnover total to 12.
It’s frustrating. I always want to be out there with my guys.
Gardner Minshew on being benched
With the Raiders now sitting at 2-7 and mired in a five-game losing streak, their worst since 2018, the time may be ripe for a change under center. Ridder’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s system from their time together in Atlanta last season could ease the transition.
Pierce Promises Thorough Evaluation During Bye Week
As the Raiders head into a much-needed bye week, Pierce vowed to leave no stone unturned in his quest to get the once-promising season back on track. “I’m going to use the bye week to reset and look at everything,” he declared in his post-game press conference. “And when I say everything, I mean everything.”
That exhaustive review will undoubtedly center on the quarterback position, where Ridder’s tantalizing debut has suddenly thrown Minshew’s status into question. With the NFL trade deadline looming on Tuesday, Pierce hinted that personnel changes could also be on the table. “I’m sure there’s options there,” he acknowledged. “We’ll see what we can do.”
A Season on the Brink
For a Raiders team picked by many to contend for a playoff spot in the AFC, the 2024 campaign has quickly devolved into one of soul-searching and difficult decisions. While a quarterback change this late in the season may reek of desperation, Ridder’s potential and Minshew’s struggles have backed Pierce and his staff into a corner.
I’ve just been putting in work with all the other quarterbacks, the quarterback coach, and [offensive coordinator] Luke Getsy. We’ve been putting in the work to not only better me, but better everyone else in the room as well.
Desmond Ridder on his preparation since joining the Raiders
Ridder’s accelerated crash course in Getsy’s offense and extra hours with the coaching staff suggest a young quarterback eager to seize his moment. With the Raiders’ season teetering on the brink, that moment may arrive sooner than anyone anticipated. As Pierce and his brain trust embark on their bye week quest for answers, all eyes will be on the quarterback room, where a battle for the starting job – and perhaps the future of the franchise – is just beginning to heat up.
