Will Aidan O'Connell keep his job?

Aidan O'Connell was thrust into a starting role on the Las Vegas Raiders last year. And while he did well, he also didn't necessarily pop off the screen or the stat sheet. In this video, we take a deep dive into AOC's mechanics, accuracy, and ability in the quick game to determine how likely it is he'll start.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:55 - "My job to keep my job."
5:05 - Aidan O'Connell film breakdown
12:21 - Conclusion
All stats from Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Focus.
Follow me on Twitter: / fbdoesntmatter

[@cip7068]

I went back and watched the last 10 games from last year and every broadcast the announcers were saying "wow what a throw and he's getting better every game and progressing " AOC4 has something

[@DavidSilva-su3de]

AOC IS NOT GIVING UP HIS JOB!

[@kennethbrown3192]

They say that with everyone the guy can be garbage on a garbage team and they will say that he is learning and improving and this team will do good going on, that same team could lose every game

[@davoneaston4809]

I prefer minshew because AOC is hands down the slowest qb in the league. This ain’t the early 2000s you gotta be able to move

[@donmon808]

@@davoneaston4809 you want the better qb not the faster one

[@marcosgallo803]

@@davoneaston4809Tom Brady’s rings say otherwise

[@pepecap]

What I believe is that the playbook wasn't a simple task for Aiden to understand. Even Carr struggled with Daniel's playbook. So a change of offensive playbook will be better for him

[@tripp8833]

Also, the run game last year was one of the worst in the league. That made it more difficult on him because defense played back more.

[@user-eu3vc9hb4x]

tbf Carr struggled in NO with a simpler playbook too

[@Robert-fs1pb]

McDaniels wasn't even around when AP put AOC in.

[@joseperales2381]

@@user-eu3vc9hb4xhe didn’t struggle all that much. Carr had 25 TDs and only 8 interceptions compared to 24 TDs and 14 Interceptions his last season as a Raider.

[@joseperales2381]

Adams has said this is the most complex offense he has had to learn by far. That said it all.

[@valinormons]

Who knows what's gonna happen. I'm not real interested in last year but I'll tell you this. Coach Pierce knows that it was because even though O'Connell could have played better, he played good enough for AP to get the head coaching job. AP says he's the starter. That's good enough for me.

[@thenightaccelerates]

This is one of the more incisive analyses of my team’s quarterback that I have viewed. Nicely executed. I will be observing further material from your channel and possibly subscribing.✅

[@M85619]

What a dork lol

[@travisl9201]

@@M85619 "possibly subscribing" lol

[@modestopimpin4549]

Just subscribe you nerd. If you enjoy the content support it.

[@matthias8161]

bro a philosopher now

[@Yukioh]

I really liked how AOC4 progressed last year under adversity. We didn’t pick up a qb like most fans wanted (including me) in the draft. I’m confident AOC will take a big leap year 2. RAAAAAAAIDERS Also glad this popped up in my for you. Great breakdown man! Earned a sub

[@karenoliver8026]

👍😎

[@elsalsero417]

This is Aidans team. Building around him. Aidan improved as Mayer became a bigger part of the offense. And now he will have Bower. For the minshew fans, answer these two questions. He's been on three teams and has been let go all three times. If he was a starter, why they keep letting him go? Minshew will be making backup money. If you were a starter, would you have taken that backup money or demand starter money. Minshews arm limitations is what going to hurt the offense. He throws lame duck passes. We saw what happened when the deep game wasn't there with Jimmy G.

[@hunter4779]

Our OC's system/style isn't going to work with Aiden. So he is already at a disadvantage. I don't dislike Aiden at all. I think in time he might develop into a good player but with this new OC I have serious doubts. Now it might seem like I like this OC but that isn't true at all. I was rather pissed when we from Kliff to Luke. I think Aiden and Minshew are both capable enough to make an offense work. I believe our weakest point is the OC. I hope I am wrong and he is actually amazing and his run in Chicago was a fluke but I doubt it.

[@drew_lg2132]

@@hunter4779 Even if AOC can't run, Getsy's offense also includes attacking the middle, play action, timing and rythym. Also he and adams worked together in green bay where he had big numbers and adams praised him. Aoc can fix some things heading into year 2 to make him a slight above average starter and if he can't, minshew isn't a horrible option to start.

[@Treday313]

Carter will start

[@MicDropFacts]

What planet are you from kid? Gardner will be paid back up money?😂😂😂 buy a calculator. He's getting 12.5 million a season. That's not backup quarterback money. End of story. Kirk cousins has been on three different teams..... So your argument holds ZERO water. Here's the facts rookie ... Aiden O'Connell cannot read a defense and audible at the line of scrimmage to save his life. Zero mobility. none. Slow as molasses throwing motion. Even slower read progressions.. the slowest read progressions on a Raiders quarterback since JaMarcus Russell. Overthrows wide-open touchdown passes to wide open wide receivers by 10 ft at least once again every game go look at it it's on film. He's 25 years old... he waited till the absolute maximum time to get drafted and still only got drafted in the fourth round. Emotionless. The kid has zero emotion if he throws a pick 6 or a touchdown he still has that same stupid confused dumb I'm not sure where I'm at look on his face. That's not a leader that's not a Raiders quarterback. And on top of all of those factual unarguable atrocious quarterback traits...Aiden O'Connell is a fourth-round draft pick by the worst head coach in NFL history. The only reason the Raiders were winning games at the back end of the season last year is because of the defense. So take some notes go eat dinner and go get some rest you have school in the morning son.... And if this is a girl well then it all just makes perfect sense😂😂😂. If that's the case be quiet and go make me a sandwich. Aidan O'Connell is garbage. 🎤 💧

[@geno1825]

😂 this is 😡 Mad Maxx's team & 32 teams would of never drafted this bum QB if stupid clown 🤡 head coach McDaniels/GM Ziegler was never hired by stupid owner Mark Davis because they thought he was going magically be Super Bowl QB Tom Brady & everyone thinking he's going magically help Raiders win Super Bowls are just delusional fans

[@raymondwhittenberg3873]

This video was very informative. It had me thinking about another video I had watched recently about Goff from his Rams days, and watching this made me totally understand why I'd heard the Lions liked O'connell as a possible backup before going with their first chose of Hendon Hooker. That being said the notes you said about Aidan's ability as a point guard, play action, and propensity to dip that shoulder where all things that were occurring with Goff as a member of the Rams, lucky he has cleaned up that issue and improved his pocket awareness along with defensive reading and manipulation as a member of the Lions. Which leads me to say I believe O'Connell can have a similar upward trajectory in the same manner if allowed time to learn and see more NFL level opposition. As a neutral fan I am honestly a little excited to see the battle between AOC and Minshew because I honestly like both players.

[@Zetler]

The problem with this channel is the lack of updates. But when a video drops, it’s a gem.

[@footballdoesntmatter]

Trying to get stuff out more regularly 💪🏻 Appreciate the kind words!

[@cianlangan]

this channel remains the gold standard of football content on youtube

[@jakenightingale8680]

I just graduated from Purdue a couple of weeks ago, AOC is a fantastic quarterback. Watching him at Purdue was amazing, he is one of the most accurate passers I have ever seen. AOC has always been a beast and I'm surprised he fell to the 4 round. You guys got a great player in him.

[@RageofHades]

I think AOC doesn't get the credit he deserves. He shouldn't have played last year. McDaniels really fucked this team. He was put into a position with a brand new OC, learn as you go and he looked brilliant at times. Give this kid a chance and I think he could shine.

[@M85619]

He's getting credit...but lets pump the brakes on the accolades....WANT to see more, dammit ✌️

[@rickmoss6421]

​@@M85619Denial is one helluva drug. These AOC jock riders refuse to accept his limitations. He's not very good and has already reached his ceiling.

[@jeffrhorer1811]

I would really like to see him starting. At the end of last season he looked like he was ready to step up to the next level. It's time we developed our own homegrown starter!

[@kevingipson5356]

We developed Carr, but I agree, he’s a good young QB with loads of potential. JMDs only contribution to this franchise..

[@lobi-wankenobi4872]

I believe in AOC. LET’S GO!

[@karenoliver8026]

😎👍

[@mrmres]

He can make all the throws. He just didn’t do it consistently enough last year. This year will be better. The Raiders need to protect him better. They drafted appropriately by stabilizing the IOL with (probably)the best IOL prospect in the draft. I am optimistic.

[@4SkinMenace]

For the amount of subs you have this video was insanely well produced. Love the breakdown of AOC and I really do think the kid isn't anywhere close to his ceiling.

[@geno1825]

Hilarious 😂

[@Ruderickle2424]

2 TE Jumbo sets with our new C/RG is going to make our offense a wild one to watch. Extra time to let plays develop, a lot of play action. Security blanket(s) underneath, elite receivers over the top. This is why you build on your strengths. A potentially elite TE paired with a good TE makes everyone better.

[@sgraider2425]

AOC will most definitely be our starter. Please continue to underestimate him. He feeds off that and has his whole life. Can’t wait for AOC to silence his doubters in YR2

[@Gesu_925]

Ypu don't pay a dude 15ms to sit the bench

[@fernandosantiago1679]

@@Gesu_925if he’s a legit back up, that can close games etc you do lol

[@559austin5]

@@Gesu_925I mean 15ms is high end backup/low end starter money. But I want to see Minshew start if he can beat our AOC

[@Gesu_925]

@microbe_rz31 they got mishew after the getsey signing so they hired someone that will be better at running his system I want AOC to succeed but I don't think is reasonable to think he will but obviously idgaf. I just want to win baby

[@Mrgiftedsoul]

Men’s shoe is the starter bro sorry

[@nal9490]

3k subscribers is crazy! The effort you put into this analysis isn’t unnoticed. Good luck to you and I hope to see this channel grow so that you can truly unlock your potential as a content creator

[@user-ns3gh9fx7q]

I really think he will truly surprise everyone. I just think we are going to be Good. Raiders let's Go!!

[@PhncnMRchntz]

Rookie season, without an OC can't be glossed over. With the support and show of confidence from his coaches and teammates, he'll be a good QB. The play at 7:02 - the off arm contributes to balance and stability, something we learned as kids, wether throwing a ball or a punch - Bad example, with the defender grabbing that arm.

[@sinoverlord409]

I'm not holding the first year against him. He was put in an impossible situation and handled it like veteran not a rookie. This is most certainly his year to earn the job and prove people right or wrong.

[@fernandorivasalfaro1927]

I wish every Raiders players the best Let's go Raiders

[@martinrosen7408]

See with OL reinforced and more targets on TE and RB. AOC's fast release will match up. Having actually time to work with the team and work hard, he does! I think he is going to do good.

[@Dysdolla]

Great work !!!!

[@bklynrayder4512]

Great breakdown well done!

[@atrizzyyafizzy]

That last sack you covered was on a 4th down with the game dwindling down. One if the few cases you’d be warranted to chuck it up

[@RealisticRaiderFan]

A change of playbook, stability over the off-season with familiar coaches (yes I know getsy is knew, but having some familiar coaches including Pierce will help), being focused on as the starter, and more will help him, as mentioned in the video. Also just more reps will help too, he had a pretty good stretch last year with everything he went through. And the Chiefs game, they had one of, if not the best defense last year, and he managed the game while the defense surprisingly won the game which we haven't had as raider fans in forever lol. The Viking game I'm sure he'll look back at. But I just feel like he needs to be given a full chance before just tossed away, and I feel like this man can be our QB if given that. That's why I like the pick of Bowers as well, give him another security blanket alongside Adams.

[@j.michael]

Great video FDM! I like AOC and fully expect him to have a very good season. Your video brings up valid questions. I hope the kid can win the job and have a great season! We shall see. Go Raiders!

[@danielmcintyre3867]

I'm impressed with his drive to stay on task with humility and poise.

[@marianobeltran780]

this is my guy greetings from beautiful Mexico city (CDMX)

[@EldricEonar]

Keep things stable with AOC, a playbook designed around him and new weapons for him too. I don't know AOC... but given his history and the tenacity he has approached it with to get back up after the knocks... is that he has most likely been working on his game all through the off season. Really want see him start and have a full proper season without the mess before he gets judged.

[@emendoza4832]

My God Bless all the Raider Nation.

[@mikecontreras6974]

Continuity is the key for this franchise and AP knows it - even an average QB with a great defense and good running game can shine - this franchise needs him to come out and take control- he doesn’t have to be Joe Burrow. TEAM GAME

[@lilbruh7247]

AOC is gonna have a great season this year. New pass protection at G, T and new TE to go with Mayers. Buddy gonna ball out Adams, Jakobi, and Tre. Zuse won’t ever see a 9 man box like Jacobs had to. This season we make playoffs

[@Samsaraindo]

Wow amazing content man. My opinion is aiden should win the starting job but you give him thru November. If we don't see respectable progression, gotta move to Minshew. A season and a half is usually enough to tell what u have.

[@chefmarcos]

Excited to see Aiden shock everyone with consistent production and poised leadership. His preseason accuracy and anticipation was elite. We saw flashes during the short time he played in reg season. I am feeling he learned a lot and is ready to level up significantly this year.

[@robertminshew5740]

Great breakdown!! Would love to see a similar analysis of Minshew.

[@patrickfouhy9102]

At this point, I'm comfortable with either AOC or Minshew being the starter. It's always better for the program when the younger QB wins the job because there's more of a future there. That being said, Minshew still has a lot of good football in him. Also, let's not forget about the draft. We landed the top TE prospect, who is an absolute unit. We also got a top rated Guard, and a great depth O Lineman who could develop into a starter on this roster. All of that spells good news for either QB we start. Adams, Jakobi, Mayer and Bowers give the QB plenty of options.

[@skeetime82]

Getting starter reps, and starter treatment will definitely have him better than last year. I have optimism in AOC. I checked out his college story. He is a worker bee. Great for a qb

[@Eltepehuaje]

El tiene potencial claro que si el fue arrojado al fuego 🔥

[@CalibossNelson]

AOC will surprise many many many people Year 2!!! Just Win Baby!

[@fernandorivasalfaro1927]

Great video great job

[@raygeorge9325]

AOC will be the starter is hard determination accuracy and already experienced with the wide receiver core make it assuring

[@snakebyteOne]

The addition of Bowers should help. Without any threat of him running the ball, defenses seemed to just sit back and camp 5-10 yards off the line of scrimmage and wait for a pass.

[@luisdg6232]

I think AOC definitely has the potential. Idk why people are so easy to give up on him, he was basically thrown into the fire last year. Interim hc, no real oc, and taking over for a benched qb. You can’t expect for a rookie to go right in and just start slinging it. Sure he has things to improve on, but we can’t jump to a conclusion so quickly. Give him time to learn and improve, and I think he can be pretty good.

[@donfain6608]

Good analysis and illustration, thank you. There is no doubt in my mind that AOC will show significant growth in year 2. He'll be physically stronger, improved fundamentally, and more confident. The situation around him (coaching, playbook, play calling, running game, weapons, etc.) should all improve significantly versus the poor situation he landed in last year. Without AOC showing the promise that he did, its unlikely that AP wins the job. If its a close competition with Minshew, Aiden will get the nod. With all of the chaos around him, statistically, he generally played at Minshew's level last year. Getting QB1 reps through the upcoming camp should accelerate his growth.

[@Twoxtimes_]

We should have someone open every pass play with our offense the line just gotta hold up I seen aiden make some pretty good reads as a rookie I still see upside with him hes a dawg

[@Twoxtimes_]

Gotta have a decent run game tho too!!

[@a-teamofrealestate2026]

good job

[@darinmckee2320]

We need AOC to be a top 15 qb this season. And we will be playoff bound

[@gregorytyussr4570]

I Feel He Will, Feel He Watched A Lot Of Films This Offseason And Did Alot Of Work This Offseason And Be Alot Better Then He Was Last Year,You All Will See A Different QB1 In Him This Year 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@nonconformist9991]

The scouts didn't compare him to Brady because they liked him it's his mannerisms and talent they saw. Now if Brady comes back on a one year deal what an opportunity for AOC to learn from the goat. If he becomes even half of what Brady did in the league what a way to solidify a legacy for Brady.

[@user-yf6xn2wu2k]

He’s a stud praying for him to have a great season

[@robertcatlett4393]

I disagree wholeheartedly he's a rookie he had an excellent season just compare to any other rookie and then you can see what you come up with🎉

[@CHENOTV]

aoc is definitely our best option. and he'll only get better year 2. minshew accuracy is not on his level

[@sabs8897]

Minshew has won playoff games with less talent around him come on man !

[@CHENOTV]

@@sabs8897 less talent? the eagles are stacked lol

[@billbadass3773]

That Uncle Rico comment got you another subscriber😂😂

[@johnhays3073]

Loving this Praying Always GO Raiders and Thank you All GO Raiders I believe Raiders Raiders Raiders Raiders

[@mikeykimm6719]

AOC had a better rookie season than Troy Aikman if you asked me.

[@frankhernandez6883]

*of course! AOC will do good. He didn't play a full year*

[@lonnychs779]

A good video with some good analysis. I think O'Connell will get better in his second year....the game will start to slow down for him. I also think the oline will be better and having a veteran OC with his own playbook and having the playbook installed through the OTAs and camp will also help the young QB. I would rather the Raiders let O'Connell play and see what they have. While I like Minshew, he has been around long enough there will not be big leaps in what he can deliver. See what the kid can do and if they need to go get a QB in 2025 so be it.

[@itk.r8rsn8k15]

People doubted him all his life. A lot of Raider fans have already given up on him. Yet, somehow some way...he'll get it done!

[@andrewmorris2820]

Whether it's him or Minshew, they both have plenty of talent to throw to. Adding Bowers just makes that X10 higher. Great pick on Powers as well.

[@SilverandBlackAttack]

Great video, although I will say, O’Connells pick against Miami where he was getting sacked was on 4th down…

[@X4Y7Z0]

Can you do a Minshew next?

[@parsapersian80]

AOC will thrive this year. I see flashes of greatness from him. Dont judge him based on his rookie year with josh mclown and interm HC

[@arturoluis812]

AOC was a Rookie last year, he learned during the season. He was put in bad situation. He will have better season in 2024/25 just being more familiar with playbook, players and coaches

[@ecgodsmack86]

AOC did really good, it was his 1st season, he'll be good

[@silverblack5475]

Oh I hope so , I'm pulling for him , want him to be the answer at QB , want to see a big leap from last year , see if he's gotten more athletic , I don't need him to be Lamar but have enough Athleticism to create outside the pocket or take off and run for a 1st down here and there .

[@fernandorivasalfaro1927]

AOC. Let's go. Let's go. You can do this. Go Raiders

[@user-tg2sz4fj5w]

Yes

[@jadk6215]

that pick you showed at 11:50 was on a 4th down so he couldn’t really live to fight another down

[@footballdoesntmatter]

You’re right - I overlooked that. Appreciate the callout!

[@bradenarville7487]

I hope so

[@bdoza69]

Hell ya!

[@marksteele9928]

Folks get caught up in the draft too much. Aiden played great his first year. Had some ups and downs, still beat the chargers and Chiefs.

[@TheSteveSteele]

Where was that accuracy in the KC and Indy games? Slants and other short passes were often way off the mark for drives at a time. In the KC game it was for three quarters that he couldn’t hit a slant. I do like his middle to deep ball. Hopefully he can improve his consistency. I’m excited about Gardner Minshew. We watched him have his way with our defense at the end of last season. He’s a baller for sure. And he came from a Run and Shoot offense in collage, I believe. So he’s used to putting up scores in a hurry if necessary. I guess the knock on him is inconsistency. At least that Broncos KZbin channel, That’s Good Sports will have to watch Gardner destroy his team. I wish them both well. We can win with these two QBs.

[@daudder]

O’Connell was QB3 under McDaniels, so he got zero time with the starters, until he, well, started. He was good to very good in preseason, and got better and better once AP took over. And this was with Bo Hardegree as OC. Ex-etc him to have a real shot at starting this year.

[@raimywinter2309]

Lets Go

[@M85619]

Once those preseason snaps start, we're bout to find out *real quick* if hes improved on his (glaring) flaws.... 100% i didnt want to roll with Minshew/AOC, but here we are...all eyes on them 🏴‍☠️

[@marvinwilks5893]

Minshew Mania has Landed in Vegas Baby.. Good Luck to AOC

[@amari.404]

I like AOC funny thing is his QB coach taught him to throw like Brady, watch AOC and you see a lot of Brady like mechanics

[@ColonelCarnage]

McDaniels got a trick on Halloween

[@miiiikee_]

I have faith in Aidan. I like Minshew too, but I think with a full offseason Aidan will do well in the competition for QB1.

[@bothompson-ov6ju]

I've been it's his job to lose but if we're serious about developing him go see if Kurt Warner is interested in being a qb coach they have the same skill set so he would use a lot of the same methods and if you don't think he's mobile enough did the greatest show on Turf need a mobile qb

[@jeffhass6352]

This is the first opportunity ever where Minshew gets the reins to start without an inevitable backup to take his job later. Let him cook without another player breathing down their neck

[@Maddenbishop]

Full training camp and learning the playbook he’s going to be a lot better than his rookie season

[@charlesrazo7246]

After Jim Plunkett, the Raiders are still looking for a QB

[@Jdpacificmackerel]

I love my raiders every since I was in middle school so raider Nation 🏈🖤

[@jasonmorrison8099]

Aidan is him!!

[@raider1297]

I don't think either AOC or Minshew are answers at all. That being said I hope they can at least be decent enough while the Raiders get a real starting caliber QB in the next year or two

[@TheGuitarded1]

Final 6 games: 9TD, 1int. Seems to me he's already figured out eliminating turnovers.

[@raiderswish]

I hope he can sit this year and build his confidence and get hungry. He just needs to be seasoned and i think hes our future starter. Hes got a great calmness to him. You watch, this is our dude

[@sportspower72]

After 3 years we will know what he is all about, that normally the time frame for professional athletes 👍🏾

[@dannygrant639]

at this point I would rather have Aidan start over Minshew, he's already have the chemistry and player connections with the WR room.

[@matthewpohl6272]

I think Minshew starts but Aidan will begin putting it together and will be a solid back up.

[@dabking3611]

☝️🤡

[@TheOneJPtv]

The Bandit!🏴‍☠

[@GrupoPatronTV]

I love AOC! Not the “sexy” pick but man that dude is so accurate and just doesn’t make mistakes.

[@kennethbrown3192]

If he is so accurate why didn't he produce anything last year? I mean 62 yards in 1 game off of 9/22 passes that don't seem accurate

[@bigchungus1848]

@@kennethbrown3192He was literally thrown into the fire his rookie year. Give the kid a break and let’s see if he develops.

[@kennethbrown3192]

@bigchungus1848 so your saying the man wasn't prepared to step up then lol Jordan love, arron Rodgers, brady, he'll burrow cane into the league starting and ready if the man wasn't ready then that shows me his character right there lol what was he doing on all that free time cause it wasn't getting ready like my guy you getting paid money to be ready and he wasn't what makes you think he changing lol

[@YOSSARIAN313]

His best bet is just to win enough games to be out of top qb range in the draft

[@gregorytyussr4570]

People talking about Minshew almost took colts to playoffs but they overlooked Aiden almost did the same thing with a shittie offensive line

[@sandoncrowder7839]

Well as coach Pierce said last season "we didn't expect Aiden to be the guy to win this game for us (against the chiefs), he's a rookie and he still needs to develop but he protected the ball and did everything we needed him to do on that field to get the win." Rookie QBs used to be on the bench for a season or two developing, it's only recently that teams put their entire fate in the hands of a rookie QB and most of the time it doesn't work out great. Every rookie needs time to develop and get comfortable especially QBs with all the processing and split second decisions they have to make.

[@user-rw6xi2mb1b]

Yeah with 0 passes completed !!!!! Lmao !!!!! Hahahahahah he’s following protocol. Of course he’s going to say Aiden was great ! lol have to stay politically correct lol hahahaha

[@bigchungus1848]

@@user-rw6xi2mb1bThat game the Raiders defense carried him to a win.

[@strangedays871]

Can't really say his full potential after only half a season starting. This year will tell a lot more. The thing that he is really lacking though is mobility. In the modern age qb play being able to get outside of the pocket and make plays is becoming more and more important unless he really can start getting the ball out quicker.

[@gregatkins4417]

Yes;-) Let’s Go Raaaaiderrrs✊🏾