HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Raiders will not only have a major decision to make soon on interim coach Antonio Pierce, but Las Vegas management will also have a call to make on quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Purdue last year, O’Connell became the starter at midseason when Pierce was promoted after coach Josh McDaniels was fired.
O’Connell has produced some promising moments, but the past four weeks underscore the ups and downs of his rookie season. Shut out by the Vikings. Four touchdown passes and a team-record 63 points against the Chargers. No completions after the first quarter against the Chiefs. And 299 yards and two TDs against the Colts.
Two wins and two losses.
All of it a learning process — and not just on game day.
“The ability to get practice reps throughout the week is huge, something I didn't know how valuable it was before I was playing,” O'Connell said. “Just to get out there when the real bullets are flying is huge. I try to learn as much as possible. It's been crazy. I've definitely learned more football than a lot of years in the past, but it's been a fun process.”
The Raiders likely will focus on trying to land one of the quarterbacks in this year's draft, which could be among the deepest in history at that position. Barring a trade-up, Las Vegas likely won't be able to select Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, but there are other QBs, such as Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, who could be available.
Part of the uncertainty regards who will be making the decision. Like with Pierce, the Raiders have an interim general manager in Champ Kelly. It's possible both return, but if owner Mark Davis replaces either or both of them, it's unknown what the organization will do at quarterback.
O'Connell can't control any of that, only what he can do in Sunday's final audition when the Denver Broncos visit.
“Each week has so much,” O'Connell said. “There's a lot of studying I have to do to get ready to play the game, so it's almost a blessing there is so much to do because you can't really think of anything else in the future.”
O'Connell has maintained a measured approach all season, whether he was committing three turnovers in his first start against the Los Angeles Chargers or putting together a breakout performance in the rematch.
“He does a really good job of commanding the offense and staying poised,” wide receiver Davante Adams said. “At no point have I really seen him too rattled. The game can be difficult. It's not like it's easy all the time for him. I've definitely seen his composure and his poise evolve. He was a rookie a little bit in the huddle before, and that quickly changed as he got a little more confident and more experienced.”
Part of that growth was learning from mistakes.
O'Connell threw seven interceptions in his first seven starts. He has none in his past three.
“I think he's gotten better each and every week,” Pierce said. “There's been some good and some bad. I think one thing he’s really done a good job (of) over the last couple of weeks is taking care of the football.”
Now O'Connell has to take care of preparing for his final start of the season.
Will it be his final start for the Raiders? Either way, he has the chance to end a tumultuous season on a positive note.
“For the offense in particular, it's been up and down,” O'Connell said. “One week we'll have a good week and the next we won't execute as well. It's going to take hopefully a statement at the end of the year to give us some momentum.”
ADAMS SUPPORTS PIERCE
Adams has never been shy about expressing his opinion in two seasons with Las Vegas, and what he says carries weight in the organization.
So, he made his position clear Wednesday regarding Pierce's future.
“It's obviously who I want,” Adams said. “That's my vote, and I've been vocal about that. That's basically how the whole locker room feels, with good reason. He's come in and done a great job and continues to win us over. It's not just the comfortable thing. Having AP here will be good for this organization. He embodies what it means to be a Raider.”
INJURIES
Running back Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) and tight end Michael Mayer (toe) were held out of the walkthrough practice. Jacobs has missed the past three games and Mayer the past two.
