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Raiders' Rookies Leave Their Mark in Week 9 Victory

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Aidan Champion | Last updated 11/6/23

One of the few bright points of the Las Vegas Raiders' season so far has been their rookie class.

It's a group that adds promise to a squad of veterans that have already accomplished great things in the National Football League.

On Sunday, the rookies' potential was on full display as they contributed in a big way to Las Vegas' 30-6 routing of the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.

It started with Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who under the new regime, had been named the starter going forward.

The 2023 fourth-round draft pick was back to the level fans had grown accustomed to seeing from him in the preseason as O'Connell finished the victory with 209 passing yards on 16 completions. He had 135 passing yards at halftime, having made nine completions on 10 throws.

O'Connell's leading receiver on the day was his fellow rookie, Tre Tucker.

Tucker posted 52 yards on just two receptions, including a huge 50-yard reception near the end of the first half that would set up Las Vegas' third touchdown of the game.

"I remember in our preseason game against the 49ers here, he [Tucker] had a similar play, and it ended up being incomplete," O'Connell told reporters after the contest. "And just to see him come full circle and make the same catch was pretty awesome. Tre's a guy who works super hard.

"I'm a fellow rookie with him, so it's super cool to see him succeeding. He's done a great job, he's a dynamic player. So, it's a lot of fun to see guys around you succeed."

Tucker was also joined in the receiving game by Raiders rookie tight end Michael Mayer, who ended up with 11 yards on two receptions.

Some rookie Raiders shined on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Rookie linebacker Amari Burney recorded six combined tackles (three solo) in the win, while Raiders 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson earned himself half a sack.

The Silver and Black will stay here at Allegiant Stadium to take on the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 8:20 p.m. ET/5:20 p.m. PT.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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