It was far from a good night for both Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo—that’s putting it mildly. After displaying one of the most embarrassing showcases on offense in recent years, Raider Nation would surely prefer both parties be jettisoned. In the meantime, an important decision for the immediate future needs to be made: is it time for Aidan O’Connell to start?
Garoppolo is a winner; that’s the bill of goods that was sold to Raiders fans. Unfortunately, that’s not what “Jimmy G” has been doing much of lately. No. 10 has looked pedestrian, literally and figuratively. Following a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions, Garoppolo (much like the fans) was p***** off, noting he has to “be smarter with the football” (h/t Vegas Sports Today). Well, that’s what you want to hear, but at this point, is it too little, too late?
Has Jimmy Garoppolo started his final game in a Raiders uniform?
Things are emotional following a devastating defeat, but you won’t find too many fans who would be upset with a switch at quarterback. O’Connell, for his part, did make the most of his appearance when the team visited Chicago. Against the Bears, ‘AOC4’ completed 10 passes–tossing a touchdown along with one interception. Many fans wondered if the result might’ve been different had McDaniels pulled Brian Hoyer earlier in the contest.
On Monday night, as Garoppolo and the Raiders’ offense crashed to a standstill, those same rumblings reared their head. A rookie might’ve provided a spark; a glimmer of hope. Sadly, it was not to be. McDaniels stuck with “his guy” and the rest was history. A history that no one will want to revisit, namely Davante Adams. In case you forgot, Garoppolo was unable to complete a pass to the star wideout. Not one pass. Let that sink in, folks.
Following the action, Josh McDaniels remained uncommitted with regard to any changes. Well, at least for the moment.
McDaniels was noncommittal about Garoppolo remaining the starting QB: “I’m not going to talk about that right now.”
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 31, 2023
You know things are bad when you’re being compared to Jay Schroeder and Marc Wilson. Our old-school Raiders fans know what ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez was talking about. To be fair though, at least Mr. Schroeder would drive the ball downfield. That’s a lot more than anyone can say for Josh McDaniels’ $105 million-dollar offense.
*Top Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports