Las Vegas Raiders fans aren’t always willing to look at the big picture after a win. They tend to want to savor and enjoy the moment—fair enough, we’ll be the bad guys here. The fact is that, outside of Zamir White, the Silver and Black’s offense was dreadful. Naturally, we have to ask: is rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell really the answer?
Coming off the historic rout of the Los Angeles Chargers, followed up by Monday’s performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, O’Connell’s truth might lie in the middle.
He’s not mobile; that much is not arguable. No. 4 is a traditional pocket passer, so when said pocket collapses, you neutralize him. The Raiders’ offensive line was, at times, outmatched by the Chiefs on Christmas, resulting in O’Connell having constant pressure in his face.
What should the Raiders do with Aidan O’Connell?
Outside of an impressive drive in the first quarter, AOC was silenced. However, there’s a flipside to this coin we’re discussing. O’Connell didn’t turn the ball over—that was key, don’t forget. No interceptions, no fumbles, and no unnecessary risks, really. By taking the ball away from him and putting it in White’s hands, the Raiders pummeled the Chiefs’ closing quarterback, possibly making interim coach Antonio Pierce the frontrunner for the permanent position this offseason.
Let’s not mince words here either. If not for the pair of defensive touchdowns by Patrick Graham’s boys, this would be a very different game. Despite the suffocating pressure on Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, No. 15 still managed to make some plays. However, the result is the result.
As far as what this means for Aidan O’Connell, we must remember that he’s a rookie. A youngster that wasn’t expected to see the field with Jimmy Garoppolo arriving in Sin City this past offseason.
Still, here we are.
The Raiders’ defense can’t win every single game; that’s impossible. Without a quarterback who’ll strike fear in the AFC West, O’Connell should be considered a long-term backup for the Silver and Black. Anything else beyond such a plan is wishful thinking after Monday’s display.
*Top Photo: Getty Images