Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Davante Adams' praise, Raiders rookie QB Aidan O'Connell isn't the answer

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/13/23

Despite a pedestrian stat line, Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell has led Las Vegas to back-to-back victories and impressed star wide receiver Davante Adams.

"It was impressive, man. He's as cool as the other side of the pillow," Adams told the media following Sunday's 16-12 victory over the New York Jets. "Dude is not a rookie. By years, he is, but by action — and like you said, that poise that he has in those types of situations, you don't see that often from a rookie QB."

The fourth-round pick had a decent performance against the Jets defense that is third in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (169.1). He completed 16-of-27 passes for 153 yards and threw the game's only TD to rookie tight end Michael Mayer in the fourth quarter. However, he also threw an interception and posted a below-average 31.1 QBR.

Aidan O'Connell with a DOT for the lead

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/DTKmQ8Y0FF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2023

JORDAN WHITEHEAD WITH THE INTERCEPTION OFF OF AIDAN O’CONNELL pic.twitter.com/KGf7JKT82a
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 13, 2023

Still, Adams raved about the 25-year-old's presence in the huddle and is "glad he's the guy."

The Las Vegas offense has improved since O'Connell replaced Jimmy Garoppolo, who was benched after a Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions. Over the past two games, the Raiders (5-5) have averaged 23 points.

Although he's 2-1 as a starter, the former Purdue Boilermaker doesn't look like a franchise cornerstone. In four games, he has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 675 yards, two TDs, three interceptions and a 22.1 QBR. He lacks mobility, too, as he's been sacked 10 times.

The Raiders should mull drafting a QB even though Adams likes the rookie. Per the New York Times simulator, they have only a 5 percent chance of making the playoffs. ESPN's football power index notes the franchise has a 78.2 percent chance of landing a top-10 pick.

The 2024 class includes several talented prospects, such as Southern Cal's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and Louisiana State's Jayden Daniels. O'Connell could serve as a bridge QB if Las Vegas selects one of these prospects, and while O'Connell has done a nice job, that's the move the Raiders should make.

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