Raiders starter Jimmy Garoppolo may face stiffer competition for the QB spot after a sensational performance by rookie line-caller Aidan O’Connell.
The 135th pick of the NFL draft outshone Garoppolo and veteran back-up Brian Hoyer when the Raiders smashed the 49ers 34-7 in a preseason match-up on Sunday.
Both the starer and backup played three quarters of the game, but O’Connell only needed one to really step up to the mark.
The former Purdue alumni completed 15 of 18 passes and gained 147 yards (including a TD) as the Raiders laid down an early marker – and headscratcher for HC Josh McDaniels.
The coach later stated, “I thought he generally handled himself well for the first (playing) opportunity.”
Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole was more effusive saying, “Since Day one, Aidan has been ready to go. So, I’m not surprised at all about the performance.
Finishing up at Purdue with a 66.7 career completion percentage, Aidan broke one of the several Boilermakers records.
Well given that, the understated rookie started as a definitive back-up to the back-up, but should he get a start, this could all change.
He was involved in three touchdowns as line caller Sunday and the rest of the NFL may be seeing more of the same as the hapless 49ers.
