The Silver and Black’s first game of the pre-season has arrived in the Raiders vs 49ers Week 1 matchup on Sunday. So far so good as the Raiders topped the Niners in a 34-7 victory at home in Allegiant Stadium.
Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell showcased his skillset completing 15 out of 18 passes for 141 passing yards and a touchdown to wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. Cole led the team with six receptions for the day and racked up 29 yards. Receiver Cole Fotheringham recorded 71 yards on five receptions.
“You just kind of hope to go out there and do your best and see what happens,” said O’Connell. “Not worried about the stats. There’s more things than just the stats, especially responsibility in the run game and stuff like that, that I need to improve on. So I know I have a lot of work to go still.”
Raiders vs 49ers Week 1 | 2023 Pre-Season Highlights
O’Connell, who played across three quarters, is currently listed as third on the Raiders depth chart behind starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer.
“I thought he generally handled himself well for the first playing opportunity,” stated Raiders coach Josh McDaniels in the Raiders vs 49ers Week 1 pre-season win. “He’s going to learn a lot from some of the things we might have been able to do a little bit better that would’ve helped us maybe sustain a few drives. He soaks it all in, and he’ll take every opportunity to improve.”
On the ground, running back Zamir White led the Raiders with 43 rushing yards on 13 carries with Sincere McCormick riding aside recording 27 yards on nine. Both running backs were able to score a touchdown in the game, as White topped off the first quarters on a 1-yard rush. McCormick’s 2-yard tuddy came toward the end of the 3rd quarter to give the Raiders some extra cushion.
Kicker Daniel Carlson finished with a perfect game, converting all four extra points along with two field goals at 46 and 53 yards. Some things never change.
The Raiders will travel to Los Angeles next week to face off against the LA Rams at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, August 19.