Stats Show How Impressive Raiders Rookie QB Has Been During Preseason
The Las Vegas Raiders moved on from Derek Carr during the offseason, signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal.
Garoppolo was said to be a great replacement for Carr, given his years of NFL experience.
He is currently on the mend from an injury, and many have questioned his ability to perform in 2023.
While the organization waits to see the status of Garoppolo, a rookie has impressed throughout the preseason, eager to get a chance.
As Dov Kleiman has recently highlighted, Aidan O’Connell has shown the organization that he’s ready for the big leagues.
#Raiders 4th round pick, Rookie QB Aidan O’Connell so far in pre-season is impressive:
125.23 QB Rating
26 of 36 Passing (72.2%)
304 yards (8.4 YPA)
3 TDs
0 INTsHe’s also making some nice throws like this deep ball to fellow rookie, WR Tre Tucker.pic.twitter.com/RS6xVNm2Rv
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 20, 2023
In two preseason games, O’Connell has thrown for 304 yards, completed passes at a 72.2% rate, and thrown three touchdown passes.
While it may be seen as preseason luck, O’Connell could throw his hat in the ring as QB2 in this offense.
The Raiders currently roster four quarterbacks.
O’Connell is currently listed third on the team’s depth chart behind Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer.
Hoyer has been in the league since 2009 as a career backup.
He hasn’t shown the life and excitement of O’Connell as of late, and the team might be willing to give O’Connell a chance over him.
The Raiders finished the 2022 season with a 6-11 record, third in the AFC West.
If Garoppolo isn’t fully healthy or isn’t able to perform as well as the team hopes, it might be O’Connell’s time to shine.
The Raiders have one more preseason game before the regular season begins.
Can O’Connell continue to shine, forcing the team to give him a look during the season?
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