The Week 18 game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos began with a punt, but the team managed two long, sustained touchdown runs and one field goal over the next four drives. The drive that started at 98 yards with less than two minutes remaining in the half was the most spectacular. It spanned 13 systematic plays and demonstrated Aidan O’Connell’s future in the NFL, even though the Raiders could take a different approach at quarterback next season.
Maybe to get things started. Maybe it’s a fallback. It might or might not be with the Raiders. O’Connell, a Purdue player selected in the fourth round, is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the league. He completed the Week 18 victory over the Broncos with 244 yards on 20 of 31 passes, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. The score was 27-14. With just two sacks, he had a quarterback rating of 110.1.
He also had a straightforward message for the Raiders and interim coach Antonio Pierce following the game: He appreciates the opportunity.
In his press conference following the game, O’Connell stated, “Obviously, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind.” “I’m really grateful for the chance to play; rookie season is tough, long, and obviously everything that happened was a little crazy. It’s not an opportunity.”
He also had a straightforward message for the Raiders and interim coach Antonio Pierce following the game: He appreciates the opportunity.
In his press conference following the game, O’Connell stated, “Obviously, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind.” “I’m really grateful for the chance to play; rookie season is tough, long, and obviously everything that happened was a little crazy. It’s not an opportunity.”Future Plans for Aidan O’Connell Are Uncertain
Whether Aidan O’Connell did enough to convince the franchise of his future potential will determine what happens to him moving forward. O’Connell finished the season with respectable stats: in 11 games (10 starts), he completed passes for 2,218 yards with an 83.9 quarterback rating. This year, he threw 12 touchdown passes and 7 interceptions.
Although not outstanding, those are encouraging stats for a rookie. Naturally, O’Connell is not your typical rookie—he spent six years in college as a walk-on at Purdue. When the 2019 NFL season begins, O’Connell will be 26 years old. For contrast, this year’s top rookie quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, are 22 years old.
