Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell impresses, but questions remain about the 49ers’ backup quarterbacks.
USA TODAY presents a candid look at the quarterback situation in San Francisco this season, where former NFL defensive end Damontre Moore is considering his options.
Aidan O’Connell, a rookie quarterback for the Raiders, was recognized for his efficiency and set the school record in career completion percentage while at Purdue.
The same talent was showcased on Sunday.
In the preseason opener, Las Vegas defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-7, with O’Connell completing 15 of his 18 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.
O’Connell stated that he just wants to go out there and give his best shot, even though the stats won’t be enough. He also acknowledges that more work is needed in other areas such as running game responsibility.
O’Connell played the first three quarters and ended up with a well-earned victory, leaving Vegas up 24-7.
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels remarked that the player handled himself well during the first opportunity and will take advantage of any opportunities to improve.
The Raiders selected O’Connell in the fourth round out of Purdue, and he achieved a 66.7 career completion percentage, which was one of several Boilermakers records. He also played for three touchdown drives against the 49ers.
Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole stated that Aidan has been prepared to go since Day 1, so the performance is not surprising.
O’Connell surpassed Trey Lance and Sam Darnold, both 49ers players, who are competing to provide support for starter Brock Purdy. Lance was chosen as the team’s third overall pick two years ago, with the expectation that he would become the club’as quarterback of the future.
Lance was announced as the 49ers’ starting quarterback last season, but he suffered an ankle injury in the second game. Purdy went on to lead San Francisco to the NFC Championship and take over the starting position this season.
In April, John Lynch, the general manager of the Niners, stated that the team was not prepared to move beyond Lance.
Lance’s audition for the backup job on Sunday was hindered by the Raiders’ strong pass rush, resulting in a three-and-out loss in his first three series.
Lance expressed his frustration, saying “That was a really frustrating situation.”
Despite completing 10 out of 15 passes for 112 yards in the first half, Lance was dismissed four times and had two interceptions dropped. San Francisco tight end Ross Dwelley dove to catch one of his near picks in Miami’s end zone for Lance’d touchdown throw.
During the second half of the game, Darnold was active for the Niners, finishing with 5 of 8 yards and 84 yards. His receivers did not do much to help him, but a fumble after one catch and another drop on another pass resulted in an interception, both of which led to touchdowns in Las Vegas.
The Raiders were much better, setting the tone with a 10-play, 68-yard drive on their first series. Zamir White, who has been receiving first-team snaps in practice with Josh Jacobs out due to lingering contracts, completed six passes for 21 yards and the touchdown.
The second quarter saw White extend their lead, resulting in a total of 43 yards gained from 13 rushes.
After spending a considerable amount of time in Las Vegas, the 49ers returned home. Both teams had practice sessions at the Raiders’ headquarters on Thursday and Friday, and they also prepared their starters for the exhibition with little to no experience.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan remarked that they had two successful practices against a strong team, which he enjoyed the second day with. He didn’t particularly enjoy the game today, but some players put in valuable work to defend their position.
STARTER’s early departure is not unexpected.
Following an injury in the second quarter, Las Vegas’ left guard Dylan Parham entered the blue medical tent but did not return to the game.
RAIDERS TRANSACTIONS
Defending tackle Kyle Peko was released by Las Vegas, while wide receiver DJ Turner and linebacker Darius Harris were placed on injured reserve.
UP NEXT
Denver will host the 49ers on Saturday.
The Raiders will be playing at the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday.