Not the debut Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell wanted in loss to Chargers. ‘Too many mistakes’
Updated story: Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell had a rude welcome to the NFL, yet perhaps a lesson learned.
It was a tough debut for O’Connell, who seemed to play better in the second half before a late interception in a 24-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
O’Connell finished the game 24 of 39 for 238 yards and an interception.
“The last interception, I think it was just a bad decision,” O’Connell said. “They played man coverage, they combo’d it and read it as I let it go. I knew it was a bad decision. It was a look that I saw in practice. The coaches did a good job of preparing me. I just have to do a better job executing.
“Just made too many mistakes. I just didn’t do enough at my position, didn’t do enough things right. I’m not really looking forward to that right now. Just kind of trying to learn from this film.”
Former Raiders star Khalil Mack sacked O’Connell six times.
Original story: Will it be Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell?
If you leave it up to fans, it seems many of them want to see O’Connell over Hoyer this weekend.
Jimmy Garoppolo was downgraded to out after he suffered a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And while Garoppolo did practice in limited fashion this week, he never cleared the concussion protocol.
And as it turns out, O’Connell will get the start, according to reports.
The Raiders (1-2) will go into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) with Hoyer and O’Connell available. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is 1:05 p.m. PDT.
Judging by social media, Raider Nation almost unanimously wants to see O’Connell get the start over Hoyer, who hasn’t won an NFL game since October 2016 when the Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions 17-14.
Hoyer is 0-9 since.
Raiders fans got their wish.
Raider Nation saw glimpses of O’Connell during the preseason and he looked efficient, but will that translate to success in the regular season?
Jimmy G hasn’t stayed healthy for most of his NFL career.
Last season, he missed several games because of an ankle injury.
The San Francisco 49ers inserted Brock Purdy, who added a spark that led them to the playoffs.
Purdy was brought back while Garoppolo said his farewell.
That’s not to say that O’Connell will be like Purdy, but it gives the franchise a look at what the Purdue alum can do.
Fans are hoping to see that against the Chargers.
This story was originally published September 30, 2023 at 4:30 PM.
