Raiders' Aidan O'Connell is going the extra mile even after losing the starting job to Geno Smith
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback room today is miles ahead of where it was two years ago and certainly last year. And, that's no disrespect to the guys that were here before, but Geno Smith is much better, but that's not an argument I have to make. Outside of factoring in Geno Smith's signing, the […]
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback room today is miles ahead of where it was two years ago and certainly last year. And, that's no disrespect to the guys that were here before, but Geno Smith is much better, but that's not an argument I have to make.
Outside of factoring in Geno Smith's signing, the Raiders now have a great backup in Aidan O'Connell. He has started many football games over the last two years and even had some great wins, like his win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day a few years ago. He has grown a ton since his first game as a rookie against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he took six sacks because of his inability to play under pressure and throw the ball away. He's now a guy who may be coveted for a bigger role on another team when this contract is up.
After O'Connell, the Raiders don't really have anyone. However, I expect them to draft a rookie quarterback—maybe someone like Will Howard or Kyle McCord in the later rounds.
But with O'Connell, he's not giving up on becoming a starter. In fact, he is still working relentlessly. He's going the extra mile this offseason.
“I’m trying to gain as much weight as possible—good weight," O'Connell recently said to Vegas Sports Today. "I’ve been at the facility training with strength, nutrition, and training staff. They’re pushing me hard. It's been a long offseason so far, and especially a long few weeks getting after it, but, they’re doing a great job, and I trust our program a lot. I love being in the facility, being with people I know."
Knowing how last season went and even the year before when it comes to the Raiders and their injury luck, they will likely need him at some point this year. Now, for how long that is, or when that is we can't say, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders go to him at some point due to an injury. Obviously, you never wish injuries would happen, but it's the reality of today's game.
O'Connell will be ready, just like he was last year.
Geno Smith is already making an impression on the Las Vegas Raiders’ new additions and he hasn’t even played a snap yet
That’s how it’s supposed to be.
