The Las Vegas Raiders have fallen out of playoff contention with three consecutive losses, and it sounds like they are planning to make a significant change if the struggles continue in Week 15.
Vic Tafur of The Athletic believes it is “very likely” that Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce will bench Aidan O’Connell if the rookie gets off to a bad start in Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. If O’Connell is pulled, the Raiders would likely go back to Jimmy Garoppolo.
O’Connell and the Raiders’ offense did not score a single point in last week’s 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback finished 21-of-32 for 171 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. O’Connell has 2 touchdown passes compared to four interceptions over the last three weeks.
Pierce hinted earlier in the week that O’Connell might not even start against the Chargers. It seems like the former Purdue star will get at least one more shot, however. The fact that the Raiders had a short week may be the biggest factor in that decision.
The Garoppolo situation is a bit complicated. Garoppolo’s $11.25M salary for next season is guaranteed for injury. If the veteran gets hurt and cannot pass a physical by March 18 (the fifth day of the new league year), the Raiders would have to pay him his full salary for 2024.
We saw a similar situation play out last season when Derek Carr had an even bigger injury guarantee in his contract. The Raiders benched Carr to avoid risking an injury since they knew they were moving on from him.
The Raiders are 5-8 and getting close to being officially eliminated from postseason contention. That is why it would be somewhat surprising if they go back to Garoppolo. Though, Pierce is trying to make his case to become the team’s full-time head coach. He may want to field the team he believes has the best chance to win.
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