Looking at AidanO'Connell's Long-Term Potential
When the Las Vegas Raiders named Antonio Pierce their interim coach, he selected rookie Aidan O’Connell as the starting quarterback going forward, replacing Jimmy Garoppolo.
Since then, O’Connell has passed for 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions, completing 62.5 percent of his passes.
O’Connell has shown flashes of being a capable starter, but has also had performances where he could not move the ball.
Whether Pierce has the interim tag removed or the Raiders go in another direction at head coach, O’Connell is trying to hold on to the starting spot. These last three games of the regular season are an opportunity for him to put good play on tape for Pierce or the next coach.
Pierce being retained would increase O’Connell’s chances of remaining the starter for the 2024 season. Pierce chose him when he took over as coach, and despite some rough play from O’Connell in recent weeks, Pierce did not make a change against the Los Angeles Chargers, which paid dividends for O’Connell and the Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell is looking to put good play on film over the last three games.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
If the Raiders do not retain Pierce and decide to make an outside hire, O’Connell would not have as good a shot to start next season. A new coach would likely want to bring in his own quarterback to fit their the new system.
However, the only thing O’Connell can do is play well over the last three games, taking care of the football and controlling what he can control.
Looking at it from an on-field perspective, O’Connell has played considerably well, given the circumstances. The previous regime brought in O’Connell because of his quick decision-making and accuracy. Some of that has been on display in his rookie season, but he has also thrown some bad interceptions.
For example, against the Miami Dolphins, he stared down receiver Tre Tucker and his pass was picked off by Jalen Ramsey. He was intercepted twice in the same game when the Raiders were attempting a comeback. The Raiders would be sitting in a much better position in the AFC playoff race if they had won that game.
O’Connell’s chances to be the starter next season come down to a few factors: how well he plays for the rest of this season and who the Raiders’ next coach is. He can control the former, which is what he will focus on doing.
The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.
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