Jim Harbaugh knows as much about being a good quarterback as anyone.
Whether it was his experience as a successful NFL quarterback himself or his time coaching JJ McCarthy, one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, at Michigan, the new coach of the Los Angeles Chargers is, quite simply, a quarterback expert.
That’s why his recent statement about Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II speaks volumes.
“I’ve always been a big fan (of Minshew),” Harbaugh told reporters. “He’s an NFL quarterback. I think he creates a lot of problems. He plays with great skill, system knowledge and confidence. He’s a winner. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Minshew was named the Raiders’ starting quarterback this preseason, a job he worked hard for all offseason, and he will play his first game as a member of the Silver and Black on Sunday when the Raiders face the Chargers in their Week 1 matchup.
Minshew has taken the role to heart since being named the starter, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce has noticed.
“Singer,” Pierce said earlier this week. “I think when you’re battling for the quarterback position, there are two guys splitting time as to who’s talking and who’s leading the pack. That’s Gardner’s (Minshew) show. He’s running the show.”
On defense, the Raiders have a monster in their ranks in All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby, another threat that Harbaugh cannot take lightly.
“He’s great against the run,” the Chargers coach said. “He’s great against the pass. He’s as physical and as smooth as a guy can be. Both at the same time. No matter which one he chooses, you really have to pay attention to his details and his technique to be successful or to get a stalemate. That’s success against a guy like Maxx Crosby. He’s a great football player.”
For Pierce and Harbaugh, this will be their first game in their new roles. There are high expectations for both of them and each will do everything in their power to make a statement and go home victorious on Sunday.
Sunday’s competition will take place at 1:05 p.m. EST/4:05 p.m. EST at SoFi Stadium.
Make sure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss a breaking news story again.
Please let us know what you think by liking our Facebook page BY CLICKING HERE.
