Don’t be fooled by Aidan O’Connell’s calm demeanour and thick moustache; he’s not avoiding competition this offseason.
The quarterback is entering his first complete NFL offseason training camp after being pushed into the spotlight in the middle of his rookie season. Between Weeks 9 and 15, he was sacked 13 times and threw five interceptions as he adjusted to the starting role.
However, the developing aches eventually subsided.
O’Connell finished his first season with three wins in his last four games and an 8:0 touchdown-interception ratio. His defining highlight of the season was four touchdown passes in a franchise-record 63-point performance against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“I’m definitely not used to just being the guy going into the season,” O’Connell said Monday. “So, depending on how long I’ve been playing football since high school, I believe it’s more unusual for it to happen. It would be more foreign to me to be the undisputed starter rather than competing.”
O’Connell’s growth was evident in both the box score and the huddle. Centre Andre James, who re-signed with the Raiders, had the “super awesome” firsthand pleasure of seeing the quarterback develop into his own.
“He came in and he was super direct, took lead of everything, and it was just awesome to watch him grow,” he added. “I’m excited to see how he continues to develop as a quarterback.”
Head Coach Antonio Pierce has often stated this offseason that the quarterback competition will be open heading into the 2024 season. While Pierce is pleased with O’Connell’s improvement and resilience last season, he recognizes that he is far from finished.
“He did a hell of a job for us,” Pierce stated last month at the League Meeting. “You’re talking about a youngster with the mental fortitude to compete in the National Football League.
“I would like to see him become more vocal,” the head coach said. “Will he ever become a runner? No, it won’t happen, which is OK, but there are other ways to move around in the pocket. I believe he’s done an excellent job this offseason, being in the facility and remaining in the Las Vegas region to work on it.”
It will be difficult for O’Connell to maintain his QB1 position. The Silver and Black signed former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. to a reserve/future contract in January and Pro Bowler Gardner Minshew II in free agency. Last season, Minshew threw for more than 3,300 yards for the Indianapolis Colts, who defeated the Raiders 23-20 in Week 17.
The Silver and Black might also select a quarterback in the draft next week, resulting in a possible four-way fight for the starting quarterback position.
“I think especially at this level, and I thought the same thing at Purdue, but especially at this level, there’s going to be competition,” he added. “I mean, it’s the absolute finest. The coaches and management want to bring in the best players possible to improve the squad, and the top guys will play, so I’m just doing my job.
“It’s new at this level for me, but it’s nothing new in terms of the competition,” O’Connell said. “I’ve been dealing with and working through this since high school. That is just part of the game. It is not unique to any one position; it is the same at all positions.”
O’Connell stated that he has spent a significant chunk of the summer working to build strength on his physique while also taking time away from football to unwind and relax with his wife. With the looming workout days ahead, he sees competition as a blessing rather than a bother.
“I remember about a year ago, I was still back at Purdue just training, still hoping I was going to get drafted,” he told reporters. “A lot of different stressors, and I’m simply lucky to be in this position, and to be a part of an organization in general, especially one like this. The offseason has been excellent. I’ve been able to ponder on the privilege of playing football here.”
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