The Las Vegas Raiders picked up a boost when Antonio Pierce was named interim head coach replacing Josh McDaniels. The team was playing with more confidence and getting the job done on the field. However, the magic that was present early on has worn off as Las Vegas has fallen into a rut offensively.
The biggest change that Pierce made was naming Aidan O’Connell as the starting quarterback, replacing veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. It was a unique opportunity for O’Connell, a fourth-round pick out of Purdue as players drafted that late rarely get starting chances, especially as a rookie.
O’Connell has started six games, making seven appearances overall. While he has shown some flashes of brilliance, he has more often than not been underwhelming. There have been some calls for a change to be made, especially after the offenses’ putrid performance in Week 14.
NFL News & Rumors: Aidan O’Connell, Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Updates
The Raiders were shut out by the Minnesota Vikings, losing 3-0. It was their third loss in a row, as a change could be coming at the quarterback position with O’Connell overseeing a unit that has not reached the 20-point mark in the last four games. In only one of his seven appearances, the team has even reached that plateau.
After the game on Sunday against the Vikings, O’Connell was asked if he was overwhelmed and whether or not he felt he was the man for the job. He did not hold back in his response, exuding confidence in himself and the team.
“I have confidence in myself to execute and to do my job properly,” O’Connell said in his December 10 postgame press conference. “I haven’t done it good enough so I gotta be better about doing that. I still have full confidence in myself to do this. I’m learning every week what it takes. I’m working extremely hard to put a good product on the field. I’m not doing it right now, so I gotta do better.”
If a change is going to be made, O’Connell isn’t going to give it up without a fight. It was certainly a tough spot to be in, but the NFL is a results-driven business. Right now, the Purdue product isn’t providing the team with the necessary results to say without a doubt he is the starter going forward.
NFL News & Rumors: Aidan O’Connell, Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Updates
He will have a chance to change that narrative in Week 15 when the Raiders host the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. It is a must-win game for both teams as the loser will effectively be eliminated from playoff contention.
Winning that game and keeping their playoff hopes, no matter how slim, alive would go a long way in O’Connell cementing his status as the starting quarterback for at least the remainder of the 2023 season.
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