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.
