Rookie Aidan O’Connell set to be named Raiders’ starting QB instead of Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly after HC Josh McDaniels’ firing

Josh McDaniels and the Raiders drafted Aidan O'Connell in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Rookie Aidan O’Connell set to be named Raiders’ starting QB instead of Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly after HC Josh McDaniels’ firing

Aidan O'Connell (via Bleacher Report)

The firing of Josh McDaniels on Tuesday night has raised some interesting questions for the Las Vegas Raiders. The team hired McDaniels in January 2022 and in his tenure with them, the team had a record of 9-16.

The Raiders have some great players in the team. WR Davante Adams is one of the best wideouts in the league and Maxx Crosby is one of the elite pass rushers in the game. However, the one player who has struggled the most this season is the team’s QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

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Garoppolo was signed by McDaniels earlier in the offseason this year. He replaced Derek Carr, who was traded to the New Orleans Saints. Garoppolo was expected to lead the team to the playoffs, just like he did in San Francisco. That hasn’t been the case and with McDaniels gone, rumors are that the Raiders are going to bench Garoppolo and replace him with rookie backup QB Aidan O’Connell.

In a recent tweet by Vincent Bonsignore, the journalist claimed that O’Connell is expected to get the start against the New York Giants this Sunday. 

Per a source with knowledge, Raiders are leaning toward Aidan O'Connell as their starting quarterback this week against the Giants.

The rookie had his first career start on October 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders lost that game, but O’Connell had a good game. He completed 24-of-39 for 238 yards. He had a rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak.

Garoppolo so far this season has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. He hasn’t had a great start to his Raiders career, and the QB has failed to establish any connection with WR1 Davante Adams. Playing O’Connell might prove to be a genius decision by the end of the season.

The Raiders fire HC Josh McDaniels and GM David Ziegler on Tuesday

The Las Vegas Raiders have made the ultimate call. They have finally fired their head coach, Josh McDaniels and GM David Ziegler. It happened on Tuesday at 10 p.m. PT as owner Mark Davis released an official statement.

Josh McDaniels, Mark Davis and David Ziegler
Josh McDaniels, Mark Davis and David Ziegler (via Sports Illustrated)
After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave. I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.
Davis said in the statement

The Raiders are expected to name LB coach Antonio Pierce as the team’s interim head coach. McDaniels led the team to a measly 9-16 record during his time with the Raiders. He signed with them in January 2022.

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