Raiders QB Depth Lays Foundation for 2023 Optimism

HENDERSON, Nev.--As they enter the 2023-24 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders have three quarterbacks capable of successfully running their offense.

The Raiders are undoubtedly deeper at the quarterback position than most NFL teams.

General manager Dave Ziegler believes the team's overall construction must be considered when considering whether to keep two or three quarterbacks on the roster.

"In terms of deciding whether we're going to keep three and that rule, I think it's more about the construction of your room and what you have in that room and how those different pieces play off of each other more than just saying we're going to use that rule to our advantage or some strategic element to it," Ziegler said. "I think it's more just about the construction of the room."

The Raiders like each of their three quarterbacks for different reasons.

Jimmy Garoppolo was brought in because of his experience at arguably the most mentally tough position in football. Ziegler feels Garoppolo is the player the Raiders are looking for.

"I'd say an even-keeled-ness, an ability to stay calm and poised and just be a steady influence on the offense. And Jimmy [Garoppolo] has a mental toughness that we look for in all players that we want to bring in," Ziegler said."We talk about being smart, tough, dependable, being able to perform at a high level in pressure situations, and we think Jimmy embodies a lot of that; he's embodied that through his career."

"We've seen that as we've continued to grow together since we've signed him. And so, we feel like he's a good leader for what we value at the position and what we value in terms of team building too."

Brian Hoyer brings experience as both a starting quarterback and a backup quarterback. He is also familiar with Coach Josh McDaniels' system from his time in New England.

This will help Hoyer provide even more value to the quarterback room, especially Aidan O'Connell. "Fortunately for me, I've been a backup in this offense for a long time. So I've gotten a ton of reps over the years, and there's not really ever a play that is called that I haven't run at some point," Hoyer said."Definitely, at this point in my career, it's my job to impart the wisdom that I've learned playing this game and obviously playing in this offense for an extended period of time to help those guys out."

After what was by all accounts a successful preseason for rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell, coach Josh McDaniels has yet to declare the official backup to Garoppolo.

O'Connell, who saw more playing time during the preseason than Hoyer, was impressive when called upon, but according to McDaniels, O'Connell still has a lot to learn.

"Aidan [O'Connell] has taken advantage of his opportunities; that's all he can do. We played him a lot because Brian [Hoyer] obviously has played quite a bit of football in his career," McDaniels said.

"Aidan is learning each week, each day, each game from the mistakes that he makes and from some of the things that he's really doing well."

"I don't see that as something that's like a decision that's going to be made and set in stone at all. It's a competitive environment. We want it to be a competitive environment, and based on what's best for the team, we'll try to make the right decisions."

The Raiders are fortunate enough to have three competent quarterbacks on their roster. They hope that they'll never have to use all three.

The Silver and Black open the regular season at the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4:25 p.m. EDT/1:25 p.m. PDT.

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