Chargers News: AFC West Squad Makes Massive Quarterback Change

Definitely didn't see this one coming.

The Las Vegas Raiders shocked the NFL world on Tuesday night when they fired both head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. The move came just a day after the team's 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, dropping them to 3-5 on the season.

The Raiders clearly wanted to make a change, so out went McDaniels and Ziegler after a disappointing start to the 2023 season, and in came interim head coach Antonio Pierce and interim GM Champ Kelly — and it didn't take long for them to make their mark on the team.

On Wednesday, the Raiders decided to officially bench high-paid quarterback and marquee free agent signing Jimmy Garoppolo in favor of rookie QB Aiden O'Connell. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the news.

Another major move in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are expected to start rookie QB Aidan O'Connell this week and going forward, with Jimmy Garoppolo going to the bench. The promising O’Connell now gets his shot. pic.twitter.com/2lN5Aey5X8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2023

O'Connell looked really sharp in the preseason, and has been solid in his few regular season appearances, throwing for 313 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions across two games.

The Raiders want to see what their fourth-round pick out of Purdue can do, so he's getting the opportunity while Garoppolo — in his first year of a three-year, $72.75 million deal — is heading to the bench.

The Chargers and Raiders don't play again until Week 15 on Thursday Night Football, so by then, Las Vegas should be in a much more stable place.

But for now, the Chargers should continue to pull away from the Raiders in the AFC West.