Raiders backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell replaced starter Gardner Minshew II on Sunday after the game had gotten out of hand. The second-year quarterback noted the offense’s inability to get into third-and-manageable situations and then convert as a significant issue.

One thing that came from the Las Vegas Raiders' stunning 36-22 home loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday was questions about who would be the AFC

After Week 2, Las Vegas was flying high. A last-minute field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson gave the Raiders a stunning victory over the Ravens on the road, improving to 1-1 on the season. "Minshew Mania" was once again sweeping the nation, as Gardner Minshew helped orchestrate the comeback win.

With the game out of reach, Aidan O’Connell is getting some work at the end of Panthers-Raiders. Las Vegas has inserted the second-year quarterback into the game late in the fourth quarter. Starter Gardner Minshew was largely ineffective throughout the contest, finishing 18-of-28 for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

O'Connell was OK as a rookie in 2023, but he couldn't even beat out Minshew for the starting role this summer. As such, it is far from outside the realm of possibility that the Raiders will look to land a better option at QB via the trade market -- even if that player is just a bridge to their future at the position (as of yet unknown).