Just as head coach Antonio Pierce said would happen, Gardner Minshew got the start for the Raiders Saturday night. Aidan O’Connell had gotten the start for the preseason opener in Minnesota and Minshew came in for the second quarter. So, they switched out this time and Minshew took the field first.
Minshew played well into the second quarter, which had him play five drives. And despite the Cowboys not fielding any of their starters, the Raiders offense didn’t put it in the end zone in that time.
The first drive, he made it to midfield and the Raiders opted to go for it on fourth and three. Minshews short pass was nearly picked off to turn it over on downs.
The Cowboys took the short field and drove into field goal range to take a 3-0 lead.
Minshew would answer with a 48-yard deep shot to Tre Tucker, but couldn’t finish it off with a touchdown, settling for a game tying field goal.
From there it was two drives that ended in a punt and another drive that ended with a turnover on downs.
Minshew had a very good game in the preseason opener, scoring on each of four drives, including two for touchdowns. This was not a great encore.