The Las Vegas Raiders have lost patience with Jimmy Garoppolo only six starts into his Raiders’ career. Reports claim that the Raider’s big-money summer signing won’t start against the New York Giants next week. Rookie Aidan O’Connell will get the nod to start as quarterback both against the Giants and in the games that follow.
The Raiders Ring the Changes
Garoppolo, who was a marquee acquisition for the Raiders in the summer, is just one of the changes that have happened in Las Vegas this week. The Raiders sacked head coach Josh McDaniels and have also relieved GM David Ziegler of his duties.
Garoppolo’s benching didn’t surprise many, considering his subpar performances and the change of coach. With a 3-5 record, this is probably the ideal moment for the Raiders to see if they can rely on O’Connell as their starting quarterback next season or if they will have to hit the market again.
The rookie has already started one game this season when he stepped in to replace the concussed Garoppolo in the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. During that game, O’Connell completed 24 of his 29 attempted passes for a total of 238 yards. He was also sacked seven times in the 24-17 defeat.
Garoppolo then missed another game because of a niggling back injury, but it wasn’t O’Connell who started, with McDaniels opting for the more experienced Brian Hoyer. However, that turned out as one of the worst decisions of the season for the Las Vegas organization, as the Raiders suffered a 30-12 defeat, with Hoyer throwing two interceptions and managed to notch only 129 passing yards.
Is Garoppolo’s Time in Sin City Up?
According to reports, the Raiders consider O’Connell as their best quarterback, which is less of a compliment for the rookie and more of an indictment of Garoppolo. The former Niners quarterback is on a lucrative three-year $72.75 million contract and the now ex-head coach insisted the Raiders go for Garoppolo to replace Derek Carr. After several subpar performances and only one game in which Garoppolo created 208+ yards passing, it is evident the Raiders didn’t get the right man.
The next big decision on the agenda for the new general manager will be to decide what he will do with Jimmy-G’s contract. The Raiders have two options – they can decide to take the hit or give him a second chance. O’Connell’s performances will play a part in that decision too.
