Aidan O’Connell’s bittersweet debut spoiled by six-sack Mack and the Chargers
It was a tough showing, but not without its highlights for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell on Sunday.
The rookie out of Purdue made his NFL debut versus the Los Angeles Chargers in a 24-17 loss at SoFi Stadium.
His first real taste of pro football was no doubt hard to swallow, soured by Khalil Mack’s six sacks, and spoiled further by his three fumbles and one interception on the goal line.
But it was a great effort from a player picked in the fourth round and thrown into the action in only week four as Jimmy Garoppolo entered concussion protocol.
The backup recorded 24 completions for 238 yards and a rushing touchdown in his first start.
Despite the defeat, the sneak peek at their rookie has Raiders fans wanting to see more from ‘AOC’, and it’s clear to see why.
How it happened
After Los Angeles took an early lead, the Raiders bounced back soon after. The debutant O’Connell marched his offense down the field, and took it in his own hands to punch the ball into the endzone with a quarterback sneak, tying the game 7-7.
But they quickly unravelled, similar to how they had against the Bills two games prior. The offensive line struggled to keep their quarterback upright, conceding six sacks to ex-Raider Khalil Mack – falling one short of tying the single game sack record.
If that was not bad enough, the Raiders barely could move the ball on the ground, too, rushing for a total of only 76 yards.
The Chargers made good on the Raiders mistakes, and multiple turnovers allowed L.A to take a 24-7 lead at the half.
The frustration clearly got to the Raiders – especially Jerry Tillery, a former Charger himself – whose late hit on Justin Herbert had him ejected from the game.
Yet, between the awful play from the offensive line, and the usual defensive dismay which has become synonymous with the Raiders brand, O’Connell gave fans something to be excited about.
How did O’Connell perform
Though the constant sacks and resulting fumbles will be the main takeaway from this game, O’Connell had his moments. Besides, awareness in the pocket comes with experience.
Despite being a raw talent as a mid-round pick, who had likely started this season with no illusions of starting anytime soon, he handled the pressure as well as he could and kept the Raiders competitive until the end against their division rivals.
On only his second drive, he led the Raiders 64 yards down the field for their first score, which he tucked and ran in himself.
Even when star receiver Davante Adams was sidelined for a portion of the game, and the quarterback hits seemed never-ending, O’Connell never once appeared panicked.
His impressive accuracy and quick release – which was likened to Tom Brady in his pre-draft scouting reports – helped him through. But it was never going to be easy with an over reliance on Adams and Josh Jacobs, who both hauled in eight receptions.
But most impressive about O’Connell’s performance was his late fourth quarter drive after the Raiders turned over the ball on fourth and one.
Game on the line, O’Connell led a 30-yard drive, first finding Hunter Renfrow in tight coverage as his pocket collapsed for a first down.
Then, on fourth and ten, O’Connell completed a sideline throw to Adams on the four-yard line.
His next throw was one to forget – looking for Jakobi Meyers, and resulting in an interception by Asante Samuel to ice the game.
Still, this can be chalked off as a questionable call from McDaniels instead, who decided to have his rookie backup pass on first and goal, with a handoff to the reigning rushing leader Jacobs the more obvious choice in that situation.
Overall, the Raiders should feel they got more than they could have hoped for from O’Connell.
O’Connell’s role with the Raiders
O’Connell’s performance certainly whetted the appetite of many fans, who had waited impatiently for his first start.
Unfortunately for these fans, head coach Josh McDaniels confirmed after Sunday’s loss that Garoppolo would reassume starting duties when he returns from protocol.
However, there should be some hope for the AOC enthusiasts regardless.
McDaniels clearly trusted O’Connell enough to call 39 pass plays in his first start, and to put the ball in his hands on the goal line late in the game – even if this did lead to a game sealing pick.
Garoppolo’s return also is not timetabled due to having suffered a concussion, meaning O’Connell has a good chance of starting against the Packers in week five, and another opportunity to impress.
In the long term, however, O’Connell will likely return to the bench – although not without some extra confidence and a stronger sense that he can be a full time starter.
