HENDERSON, Nev. — It did not take long for the Las Vegas Raiders’ new regime of interim general manager Champ Kelly and interim coach Antonio Pierce to put their stamp on the team.
Not with Pierce announcing rookie Aidan O’Connell would take over at quarterback in place of high-priced but oft-injured veteran Jimmy Garoppolo
“It will be Aidan, going forward,” Pierce said in the introductory news conference on Wednesday. “We just feel like it gives us the best chance.”
Kelly said the locker room reaction was positive to the change.
“The guys are rallying behind him,” Kelly said of O’Connell. “They’re excited to watch him get his opportunity. I was there as A.P. was speaking to the team and he had their eyes. There was an energy that was tangible in the room. There was a true excitement and guys are geared up to prepare for this weekend.”
The Raiders (3-5) have lost two straight games in dispiriting fashion and play host to the New York Giants (2-6) Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. Pierce, promoted from linebackers coach, won a Super Bowl as a player with the Giants in the 2007 season.
Energy was evident in the near 25-minute news conference, from both the excitable Pierce and the more laid-back Kelly because a change was needed, they said, to right the culture of the team in the wake of the Tuesday night dismissals of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler as coach and GM, respectively.
“It’s a new day, it’s a new chapter, it’s a new era, it’s a new mindset,” Pierce said. “What is that mindset? It’s that of Raider pride, commitment to excellence and making sure our alumni, our fan base and Raider Nation are proud of what they see on the field.
“What does that look like? Tough, passionate, effort, energy … we’re on the same page — Champ and myself. Our staff is connected. We had a great team meeting this morning. Everybody was steely eyed and focused. We walked in with a smile on our face. The synergy, the energy in this building, is the personality of our players. We reflect on who we are as Raiders. This is a great opportunity for myself. I’m humbled. I’m honored and I don’t take it lightly.”
No players were made available Wednesday as the team did not practice after playing Monday night at the Detroit Lions.
The Raiders are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL and their offense is one of the worst. Las Vegas is ranked No. 31 in total offense, despite the presence of All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, who has not caught a touchdown pass since Week 3, and All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, who has yet to have a 100-yard rushing game.
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