Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell Shows Ongoing Poise and Development
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell may have missed out on the starting role during the offseason competition, but the second-year player continues to demonstrate significant growth during practice.
Veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew II will start the season as the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback. Despite not being named the starter, second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell plans to prepare as if he is in that role, anticipating that the team may call on him again this season, just as they did last year.
“I’ll continue to prepare like I’m the starter every day,” O’Connell said after Tuesday’s practice at Allegiant Stadium. “It may sound cliché, but that’s my approach. I understand what it takes to play from my experience last year. I’ll support Gardner [Minshew] and stay ready.”
“I played all three roles last year—third-string, backup, and starter—so I understand what each position demands. I’ll do my best and, as I mentioned, support Gardner in any way he needs. I’ll be there to assist him and contribute to the team however I can.”
O’Connell believes that both he and the offense are improving as they frequently encounter familiar plays in Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy’s scheme. Although the Raiders offense had a productive training camp, O’Connell feels there is still progress to be made as the season approaches.
“I definitely feel like I’m growing,” O’Connell said. “Today wasn’t our best in terms of execution, but repeating plays and reviewing them is really helpful. Getting consistent repetitions in practice and during a few preseason games has been beneficial. It’s been a good camp so far, but we still have a few weeks and a lot of work ahead of us.”
While the Raiders have selected their starting quarterback, they have two reliable options who can start games this season. After playing all three quarterbacks on the roster last year, with two not proving to be effective in leading the team through the season, the quarterback competition this offseason indicates that the Raiders are in a stronger position at quarterback than they were previously.
