Raiders are deliciously searching for any answers at quarterback (once again)

Patrick Mahomes is not playing his best right now. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is looking to find consistent rhythm with his current pass catchers, while still cleaning up some turnovers. But even with his play being below his usual standards, having Mahomes is always going to be better than the alternative—specifically in the AFC West. That's because rivals like the Las Vegas Raiders are still searching for answers at quarterback once again.

Las Vegas was up on the Denver Broncos 10-0 at one point in Sunday's showdown of Week 5. Though, that lead for the Raiders was gobbled up quickly. The Broncos piled on 34 unanswered points after that early deficit. A gut-punching interception by Gardner Minshew midway through the second quarter gave Denver all the needed momentum. A horrible decision by Minshew there led to a 100-yard pick-six by superstar Patrick Surtain II. From then on, the Raiders seemed to be swimming upstream at the game's most important position. Nothing but uncertainty awaits Las Vegas at quarterback as they prepare for Week 6.

Minshew Has Yet To Look Comfortable In Vegas

Gardner Minshew has had some bright moments in his NFL career, but for someone who carries the personality of a wild man, his play lives up to that mantra too often as well. Minshew has simply failed to look comfortable in many of his snaps in Las Vegas so far.

Seeing the field and reading coverages has been a major focal point of his struggles so far. Just on Sunday against the Broncos, he was also late to recognize or feel pressure multiple times. No quarterback wants to be thrown off their spot or fail to get on time, but after the first touchdown of the game, Minshew just never settled into a sense of rhythm.

With the issues piling up, and yet another interception after the early pick-six, Minshew placed himself on thin ice even further. He sailed one deep down the field and missed his wide receiver on the second interception and Riley Moss was able to pick it off for Denver. From Minshew's first interception to his other in this contest, the Raiders were only able to generate 28 total yards of offense on five offensive drives. The hook for Minshew would come after the second INT and allow Aidan O'Connell to get some reps.

Will A QB Change Even Matter?

Aidan O'Connell received some chances last season down the stretch for the Raiders, and it was not a complete failure. Overall, there were still some simple mistakes from him that defenses keyed in on. A few weeks ago, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce was asked about a quarterback change. They opted not to make one and Minshew has started all four games.

After Sunday's switch to O'Connell, Pierce was obviously asked about the QB situation again. Las Vegas hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers next week. As for who will be the Raiders' starting quarterback in that game, Pierce said, "I don't know." His words after the loss to Denver probably do not give Raider fans much hope for the rest of this season. But will a change to O'Connell even matter in the grand scheme of this season?

O'Connell might be able to play a cleaner game than Minshew has so far. However, Davante Adams has seemingly played his final snap with the team, barring something changing. If his expected trade out of town comes to fruition, there is little to lean on among the offensive skill group. And inside of the AFC West division, the Raiders may be set for a last-place finish unless something drastically changes.

Future At QB Is Anyone's Guess for Raiders

What will the future hold for the Raiders at the quarterback position? It is truly anyone's guess. Minshew signed a two-year deal this offseason. If the team wants to cut him next offseason, they certainly can. However, some dead money would be attached to any release of Minshew, despite some slight salary cap savings. Elsewhere, O'Connell would be entering his third career season next year.

The Raiders are one of the likelier candidates to look toward the draft-eligible quarterbacks in 2025. They were scoping out the quarterback options in last year's draft, too. Yet, Las Vegas simply lost the game of musical chairs in last year's first round, even with six quarterbacks being selected.

Does the Shedeur Sanders spotlight make its way to Las Vegas? Could the Raiders look to add a dual-threat quarterback like Jalen Milroe or even Cam Ward? Even if they draft a quarterback next spring, does that pick get the keys to the offense right away? Once more, the Raiders have to begin a plan to find a new signal caller. It appears to be a spot that is handcuffed in the short-term future throughout the rest of this season.