Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for their next event with a rookie quarterback in the squad. Aidan O’Connell is making a transition from college sports to the NFL. While he is yet to step foot inside the court, O’Connell has said that the difference in talent and intensity is already visible. Meanwhile, the Raiders are hopeful that O’Connell will carry forward his confidence to the league matches, standing up to the image that he has set up so far in his career.
O’Connell is also hopeful that his journey does not just end at the point where it is right now. Meaning Aidan wants to work hard and continue playing for the team for as long as possible. He has said that he believes that a balance of reflection is necessary, along with the understanding that there is a lot of football to be played.
The season is being teased for him to learn from Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. However, Jimmy was missing from the minicamp activities due to his injury history. So, it is Hoyer and O’Connell who have to form a combination for the gameplay. Also, O’Connell will have to take a lot of learning from his teammate since both may have to go at any moment for the event.
Hoyer is a natural selection, but the management wants to see how things roll out with O’Connell in the picture. Their aim is to check his potential for the long-term running of the side. O’Connell, for now, has clarified that his focus is only on short-term results. That could be a part of his mental preparation, where he wants to take things one at a time.
O’Connell has started in 24 games with a statistic of 7,202 yards with 50 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He is credited with the highest passing rating of 141.8 while also setting several other Purdue records. Aidan has been selected two times for second-team All-Big Ten Conference.
He understands that he can bring a lot of experience from college; however, the NFL is a different league altogether. The rookie QB has said that his rise from the lowest point was helpful, but the NFL is a completely new experience, adding that one must look forward & continue to press in that direction.
Talent and intensity are way different compared to the highest level of college football. Plus, it is a mental game, too, with the added aspect of responsibilities. Aidan can no longer afford to mess up his position as the QB of the Raiders since the stakes are pretty high at the moment. The first-year QB will keep things simple as he continues to inculcate advice received from experienced people.
The Las Vegas Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to play joint practices this week – Thursday & Friday – at the headquarters of the Raiders.
