The Las Vegas Raiders will be without starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in their Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears. And they announced who will be starting in his place on Friday.
The decision came down to veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer and rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Both have seen action at points this season in relief of Garoppolo, so it truly came down to who had shown more in their appearances thus far this year.
Most Raiders fans have become fans of O’Connell, who obviously has much more upside than Hoyer considering Hoyer is 38 years of age. O’Connell also showed some promise in his first career start back in Week 4, so most fans of the team were calling for him to get another start.
Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels had other plans, however, as he named Hoyer the starter for Sunday’s matchup against Chicago.
Brian Hoyer will be the starting quarterback for the Raiders against the Bears, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 20, 2023
Raiders fans reacted as you would expect, blasting McDaniels on social media for the move.
After Davante Adams’ comments this week… Josh McDaniels starting Brian Hoyer over Aidan O’Connell is a huge middle finger IMO.
McDaniels does what McDaniels wants to do. He’s has a massive God Complex problem
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) October 20, 2023
WARNING! ANGRY RAIDERS FAN!
Brian Hoyer will start over Aidan O'Connell against the Bears.
RT if you think Josh McDaniels is a MORON! pic.twitter.com/YebuBJKrm3
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) October 20, 2023
In Brian Hoyer’s last 12 starts he is 0-12 with 7 TD’s and 8 INT’s.
— Capt Jack (@CaptJackRaider) October 20, 2023
Brian Hoyer is starting for the #Raiders this week and I don't agree with it at all. Aidan O'Connell gives the LV the best chances to win.
— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) October 20, 2023
Everyone: “The Raiders need to see what they have in Aidan O’Connell, start him against the Bears”
Josh McDaniels: pic.twitter.com/lzNVGrSm95
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) October 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/washedtae/status/1715471434510983539
When you look at this move from a long-term perspective, it makes zero sense. O’Connell could be a quarterback of the future for Las Vegas, and it seems like a great chance to let him show you what he has got.
However, it may make more sense if you are prioritizing this season, as Hoyer was actually quite productive in the Raiders Week 6 game in relief of Garoppolo.
Hoyer played well last Sunday, completing 60 percent of his passes for 102 passing yards in a 24-17 win over the New England Patriots.
The 16-year NFL veteran obviously has far more experience than O’Connell, and that is obviously what Josh McDaniels is prioritizing, whether Raiders fans like the move or not.
