Antonio Pierce had great message for new starting QB Aidan O’Connell
Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebackers coach Antonio Pierce watches from the sidelines against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Pierce had a great message for his new starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-3 this season and will host the 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. After previous starter Gardner Minshew struggled to move the ball the last few games, the Raiders decided to switch to O’Connell for Week 6.
Pierce’s message for O’Connell is simple: “Take care of the football. No turnovers. No turnovers. No turnovers.”
Hmm, what do you think Pierce wants O’Connell to prioritize on Sunday?
Minshew threw five interceptions and lost two fumbles in his five games as the starter. He had an ugly 100-yard pick-six last weekend. That was a back-breaker, and one too many turnovers for Pierce.
O’Connell, who was a 4th-round pick by the Raiders in 2023, has thrown 8 interceptions in 13 career games. He also lost four fumbles last season. So long as he doesn’t allow 100-yard pick-sixes, he should be in decent shape in Pierce’s eyes.
