Raider Nation gets their wish as Aidan O’Connell starts for the Raiders — and scores
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Will it be Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell?
If you leave it up to fans, it seems many of them want to see O’Connell over Hoyer this weekend.
Jimmy Garoppolo was downgraded to out after he suffered a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And while Garoppolo did practice in limited fashion this week, he never cleared the concussion protocol.
And as it turns out, O’Connell will get the start, according to reports.
The Raiders (1-2) will go into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) with Hoyer and O’Connell available. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is 1:05 p.m. PDT.
Judging by social media, Raider Nation almost unanimously wants to see O’Connell get the start over Hoyer, who hasn’t won an NFL game since October 2016 when the Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions 17-14.
Hoyer is 0-9 since.
Raiders fans got their wish.
#StartO’connell #RaiderNation AOC SZN Raider fans will riot if they don’t start Aiden O’Connell pic.twitter.com/AQmQcem54l
— DEATH STAR SOURCES (@3DeathSources) September 30, 2023
O”CONNELL SEASON
— Jazz (@jazzlynn626) September 30, 2023
Its AOC time in the real home of the Raiders
— Don ******* (@SailorHobbs) September 30, 2023
#Raiders better start Aidan O’Connell tomorrow.
— SSN - Las Vegas Raiders (@SSN_LVRaiders) September 30, 2023
Raider Nation saw glimpses of O’Connell during the preseason and he looked efficient, but will that translate to success in the regular season?
Jimmy G hasn’t stayed healthy for most of his NFL career.
Last season, he missed several games because of an ankle injury.
The San Francisco 49ers inserted Brock Purdy, who added a spark that led them to the playoffs.
Purdy was brought back while Garoppolo said his farewell.
That’s not to say that O’Connell will be like Purdy, but it gives the franchise a look at what the Purdue alum can do.
Fans are hoping to see that against the Chargers.
@Raiders the absolute least yall can do is start Aidan O’Connell. Do not put us through watching Brian Hoyer.
— Roddrick Jr. (@RoddrickJr13) September 30, 2023
#RaiderNation Jimmy Garoppolo has been ruled OUT for tomorrow’s game Vs. the LA Chargers. Josh McDaniels make the right call & give Aidan O’Connell the start. We need a spark to get this season going. Give #4 the keys to the offense & let the young gun cook#NFL pic.twitter.com/tyHlLHAa5d
— SniperJones (@RaiderSniper) September 30, 2023
O’Connell sees first action
O’Connell was welcomed to the NFL by former Raider Khalil Mack who sacked him to force a punt with 9:22 left in the first quarter.
O’Connell handed the ball off twice to Josh Jacobs.
On the next drive for the Raiders, O’Connell found Jakobi Meyers for a 26-yard pass play.
Several plays later, O’Connell scored on a sneak with 45 seconds left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, O’Connell fumbled and the Chargers recovered in Raiders territory.
This story will be updated
