Aidan O’Connell has the runway to earn the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback job for the 2024 NFL season. After the firing of former head coach Josh McDaniels, “AOC4” was named the starter, and he’s now beginning to flash his potential. Taking notice of this is Pro Bowl wideout and O’Connell’s teammate, Hunter Renfrow.
Even though the Silver and Black fell 31-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs, there was some good news. The contest saw O’Connell put together what was arguably his best performance as the Raiders’ starter.
Hunter Renfrow: Raiders have confidence in Aidan O’Connell
The 25-year-old went toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes and had the highest QB rating in Week 12. Additionally, the Purdue product had a good day in the air, completing 23 of 33 passes for 248 yards and one touchdown.
Although it’s one performance for Las Vegas, the rookie has the offensive squad believing he’s the right guy under center for the Raiders heading into next season.
“[O’Connell is] unbelievable,” Renfrow said recently. “A great leader. He’s definitely not, you know, the reason we lost [to the Chiefs]. For sure, he made some unbelievable throws. I think there was one early. We had a three-by-one, and then Jacoby was in boundary.
He kind of put it right over a trap corner’s head to be able to see the safety and see it go too high. There was unbelievable. We have all the confidence in the world in him and how he prepares, and I think he’s as accurate as they come. And a special player.”
For the Raiders quarterback, many will ask whether he can string together these games to close out this season. If he can continue to out-duel the opposing quarterback, Las Vegas will be in a challenging spot and could name him the starter in 2024.
Rookie QB Aidan O’Connell continues to impress #RaiderNation
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 28, 2023
What’s next for Aidan O’Connell?
O’Connell will have a chance to outperform a couple of recognizable NFL quarterbacks. Las Vegas has the Los Angeles Chargers, Chiefs, and Denver Broncos left on their schedule.
While a playoff appearance might be far-fetched considering the Raiders’ current situation, it would be ideal for the team to know where they stand with their rookie. If O’Connell finishes those three contests and goes toe-to-toe with Justin Herbert, Rusell Wilson, and Mahomes, the Silver and Black must give the rookie the job next season.
Can O’Connell pass these three major AFC West division tests? Who knows right now, but he should be confident going into each game after rivaling Mahomes with his production.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
Exactly how well did Raiders rookie Aidan O’Connell play against the Chiefs in Week 12?
