The Las Vegas Raiders concluded the 2024 season with a 5-4 record, showing signs of improvement after a rough start under former head coach Josh McDaniels.
Midseason, McDaniels and Dave Ziegler were dismissed, and owner Mark Davis promoted linebackers coach Antonio Pierce to interim head coach, later hiring him permanently. Pierce quickly revitalized the team by benching Jimmy Garoppolo in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell.
O’Connell impressed the organization during the preseason with his passing skills and ability to keep the offense steady. He played in 11 games, starting 10, and recorded 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His highlight moment came against the New York Jets, leading a game-winning drive for a 16-12 victory.
Despite Las Vegas signing Gardner Minshew to compete with O’Connell for the starting role in 2024, Maxx Crosby has observed significant growth in O’Connell. According to Sean Zittel of Vegas Sports Today, Crosby said, “Aidan has come a long way… He’s starting to talk some s**t back, I encourage it. That’s what I want him to do. The best of the best…the Mahomes, the Brady’s…always jawing back and forth and standing up.”
O’Connell appears confident and self-aware, with his competitive spirit becoming more evident on the field. Crosby enjoys the banter with offensive players and is pushing O’Connell to reach his potential, giving him a real shot at starting in 2024.
Some pundits doubt the Raiders’ ability to compete in a tough AFC due to their quarterback situation, but the team is determined to prove them wrong. Whether it’s O’Connell or Minshew at quarterback, the Raiders are better positioned to pursue a playoff spot this year.
Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are embracing the competition for the Raiders’ starting quarterback role. Both were unheralded prospects out of the draft but are now competing for a starting job in the NFL, embracing the challenge despite being direct competitors.
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