With starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo currently in concussion protocol and his status for Sunday’s contest unclear, the Raiders could have someone new under center against the Los Angeles Chargers. Veteran Brian Hoyer will likely get the nod if Garoppolo sits, but many are hoping to see rookie Aidan O’Connell get an opportunity.
The fourth-round pick out of Purdue looked impressive in training camp and during the preseason for the Raiders and seems to have a lot of fans inside the organization. One of those, and an extremely important one at that, seems to be star wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams recently spoke on O’Connell, saying that the rookie has opened up a lot of eyes within the Raiders since he’s been here, via Logan Reever of 8 News Now:
Davante Adams on Aidan O’Connell:
“I think he’s opened up a lot of eyes since he’s been here.”#RaiderNation #Raiders
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) September 27, 2023
Adams’ thoughts are in line with what was seen and what was said by many throughout camp and the preseason. Head coach Josh McDaniels praised him as did general manager Dave Ziegler. Even former Raiders quarterback and league MVP Rich Gannon had positive things to say about the rookie after a strong preseason.
O’Connell threw for 482 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in three preseason appearances for the Raiders. The performances built some excitement around him, but he is still a rookie so whether or not he will take the field, barring injury, remains unclear.
The Raiders brought in Hoyer because he is a veteran who knows McDaniels’ offensive system extremely well and can step in on a moment’s notice and do his job. But the fact that Adams would say this during a week when Garoppolo’s status for Sunday is unclear is likely not a coincidence. No one is more affected by who is under center than Adams and the star receiver seems to believe in O’Connell and what he can do.
Maxx Crosby backs Davante Adams’ message to Raiders teammates
Davante Adams has never been shy about voicing his opinion and his words following Sunday’s loss to the Steelers were heard loud and clear. Adams said the team isn’t doing the necessary things to establish a winning culture and defensive captain Maxx Crosby backed him up.
Adams made it clear that his message was meant for the players and not the coaches or front office and Crosby agreed, saying that if the Raiders put in mediocre work they will get mediocre results and everyone has to do their job at the highest possible level.
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