Pete Carroll gives blunt assessment of Aidan O’Connell’s play

If the preseason is any indication, the Las Vegas Raiders  could be in serious trouble if Geno Smith goes down with injury.

The backup spot was expected to go to third-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, but his preseason has not gone as planned. He had two interceptions in the Raiders’ first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, then followed that up with another pick against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite flashes shown by sixth-round rookie Cam Miller, it is unlikely that he has done enough to unseat O’Connell.

For the Raiders, that might not be the most promising update.

O’Connell’s performances has left much to be desired in the eyes of the coaching staff.

After Saturday’s game against San Francisco, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll pointed out a serious cause for concern regarding O’Connell.

“I thought Aidan continued to little bit — we’re not quite as fast when he’s playing,” Carroll said. “We don’t play as quick from huddle to the snap, still trying to work that out. And he made a poor choice on the throw for the pick, unfortunately. It was a crucial time, that was tough. Just the guy was covered, and if he had to it throw away or take off, we would have preferred that.”

The pick was on a throw that was perfectly telegraphed by 49ers cornerback Chase Lucas, who was directly in front of the Raiders receiver when the ball was thrown.

“Can’t make that throw,” former Raiders quarterback and announcer Rich Gannon said during the television broadcast.

If Carroll, Gannon and other voices on the Raiders are starting to have their doubts, O’Connell is going to need a big game in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals to truly cement his place as the backup.