HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Not only will the Raiders have a big decision to make soon about interim coach Antonio Pierce, but Las Vegas management will also have a call to make on quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Purdue last year, O'Connell became the starter midway through the season when Pierce was promoted following the firing of coach Josh McDaniels.
O'Connell has produced some promising moments, but the past four weeks have highlighted the ups and downs of his rookie season. Shut down by the Vikings. Four touchdown passes and a team-high 63 points against the Chargers. No completion after the first quarter against the Chiefs. And 299 yards and two TDs against the Colts.
Two wins and two losses.
It's all a learning process, and not just on match day.
“Being able to get training reps throughout the week is huge, something I didn't know how important it was before I played,” O'Connell said. “Just getting out there when the real bullets are flying is huge. I'm trying to learn as much as I can. It's been crazy. I've definitely learned more football than a lot of years ago, but it's been a fun process.”
The Raiders will likely focus on trying to sign a quarterback in this year's draft, who could be among the deepest in history at the position. Barring a trade, Las Vegas likely won't be able to select Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, but there are other QBs like Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix who could be available.
Part of the uncertainty relates to who will make the decision. As with Pierce, the Raiders have an interim general manager in Champ Kelly. It's possible that both will return, but if owner Mark Davis trades one or both, it's unknown what the organization will do at quarterback.
O'Connell can't control any of that, only what he can do in the final test on Sunday when the Denver Broncos visit.
“Every week is a lot,” O’Connell said. “There's a lot of studying I have to do to get ready to play the game, so it's almost a blessing because there's so much to do because you can't really think about anything else going forward.”
O'Connell has maintained a measured approach all season, whether he was committing three turnovers in his first start against the Los Angeles Chargers or having a breakout performance in the return game.
“He does a really good job of leading the offense and staying balanced,” wide receiver Davante Adams said. “I've never seen him so flustered. The game can be tough. It's not easy for him all the time. I've definitely seen his composure and balance develop. He was a bit of a novice in the huddle before, and that quickly changed as he became more Confident and more experienced.
Part of that growth has been learning from mistakes.
O'Connell threw seven interceptions in his first seven starts. He has none in the past three.
“I think he's getting better every week,” Pierce said. “There's been some good things and some bad things. I think the one thing he's really done over the last few weeks is take care of the football.
Now O'Connell has to take care of preparing for his final start of the season.
Will this be his last start for the Reds? Either way, he has the chance to end the tumultuous season on a positive note.
“For crime in particular, things have been mixed,” O'Connell said. “One week we'll have a good week, the next we won't execute so well. Hopefully we need a statement at the end of the year to give us some momentum.
Adams supports Pierce
Adams has never been shy about voicing his opinion during his two seasons with Las Vegas, and what he says carries weight in the organization.
So he made his position clear on Wednesday regarding Pierce's future.
“He's obviously who I want,” Adams said. “That's my vote, and I've been vocal about that. That's how the entire locker room feels, for good reason. He's come in and done a great job and continues to beat us. It's not just the comfort thing. Having AP here will be good for this organization. He embodies What it means to be a Raider.”
Injuries
Running back Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) and tight end Michael Mayer (toe) were ruled out of the walk-through workout. Jacobs has missed the past three games and Meyer the past two.
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Mark Anderson, Associated Press
