Las Vegas did rally around O’Connell after the Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels on Oct. 31. The day after Las Vegas named Antonio Pierce to interim head coach, O’Connell was announced as the starting quarterback moving forward.
In the 10 games O’Connell started, the fourth-round pick managed to throw for 2,143 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions to earn a 83.9 passer rating. His passer rating was higher than Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, finishing the season with a 5-5 record as a starter.
One of O’Connell’s best starts came during a Week 17 defeat after he posted career highs in passing yards (299) and completions (30). He keyed in on wide receiver Davante Adams, who had 13 receptions for 126 yards and two TDs, showcasing a connection that resembles what Getsy would like to see out of his offense in 2024.
“You always have to play into the players that you have, and your best players have to be the ones shining on Sunday,” Getsy said. “And so, it’s always about finding what everybody does best, and finding cool and unique ways to emphasize that every week.”
However, it isn’t guaranteed O’Connell will be the one passing the ball to Adams this upcoming season. The Raiders have the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and they might consider trading up or selecting a QB with their first-round pick. Getsy believes that there is one critical skill that a quarterback should possess while playing the position.
“It’s really important that you have some type of escapability,” Getsy explained. “You’ve got to be able to have the second chance and create the extended play, whether it’s just sliding in the pocket, or whether it’s extending it with your feet outside of the pocket.
“It was on display in the Super Bowl … that ability of both of those guys to create the second chance of the play is an important part in our league, and when you’re trying to go win games, you’ve got to be good on third down and in the red zone.”
Getsy’s ideal vision for a QB might not have been O’Connell’s strength. The Raiders QB only had 17 rush attempts for 11 yards and a touchdown in 2023 and was sacked plenty. Yet, O’Connell will be competing this summer with whoever the Raiders decide to bring in, and the next thing on Getsy’s to-do list will be seeing who that might be later this month at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
“It’s obviously an impressive (draft class),” Getsy said. “I think there’s a lot of different flavors, and I think I’m going to have a lot of fun diving into it.”