Raiders backup QB competition heats up with rookie pushing for role

The Raiders know Geno Smith is their unquestioned starter at quarterback heading into their season opener against the Patriots on Sept. 7.

Things could get interesting behind him, however.

Third-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell will likely begin the season as Smith’s backup. The question is how long that will remain the case.

O’Connell has had a subpar preseason, throwing three interceptions in his two appearances. That, plus the development of rookie sixth-round pick Cam Miller, could cause the Raiders to reassess their quarterback pecking order at some point.

Both passers will likely get extensive playing time in the team’s final preseason game Saturday against the Cardinals. Their performances could determine how comfortable the Raiders are with O’Connell being their main insurance policy at quarterback, or whether Miller deserves a shot at the No. 2 role.

O’Connell’s struggles

O’Connell has completed 33 of 53 passes for 343 yards and three interceptions this preseason. He knows his turnovers are unacceptable.

“At all junctures, it’s my job to take care of the ball and not put our defense in a bad spot,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell, 26, was particularly upset with his two picks in the Raiders’ preseason opener against the Seahawks on Aug. 7. He said he wished he had both plays back.

“Felt like I put a team in a bad position,” O’Connell said.

Another issue is the Raiders offensive operation has bogged down when O’Connell is on the field. Smith and Miller both look more comfortable executing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s scheme.

“We’re not quite as fast when (O’Connell is) playing,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We don’t play as quick from huddle to the snap. (We’re) still trying to work that out.”

O’Connell, who has also been uneven in practice, said Tuesday getting in and out of the huddle faster is something he’s working to improve.

The 2023 fourth-round pick, in an ideal world, would settle in and become Smith’s primary backup. O’Connell has 20 games of NFL experience to fall back on, plus he’s well-versed in making sure he’s ready whenever his number is called.

“I had to learn that in high school and college,” O’Connell said. “I wasn’t always guaranteed that I was going to play. And so really learned how to compete, how to compete with myself and not worry about other people, worry about what I’m doing to try to be the best football player I can be.”

Can Miller make a push?

Miller, a standout at North Dakota State, will likely make the Raiders’ initial 53-man roster as the third quarterback.

It would make sense for him to use this year to develop in the hopes of pushing for the backup job next season.

Carroll is a firm believer in rewarding players who prove they deserve promotions, however. He won’t hesitate to make a move if Miller shows he’s a better option than O’Connell.

Miller, 24, has made significant strides in training camp. He has completed eight of 13 passes for 101 yards, one touchdown and one interception this preseason.

Like most rookies, Miller has had his ups and downs.

He was solid in his preseason debut against the Seahawks, but his ill-advised interception of the closing seconds of the Raiders game against the 49ers on Saturday set up San Francisco’s game-winning field goal.

“Going into that last play, I told myself, ‘Don’t force the ball,’ and I did,” Miller said Tuesday. “So, there’s a lot of learning lessons. I take full responsibility for that entire drive. I need to be better. I need to prepare better.”

Miller still has a lot to learn. But he’s got the arm strength, athleticism and smarts to run Kelly’s offense. He’s focused on putting his best foot forward this week to cement his spot on the roster.

“There’s two things that keep me grounded, and that’s number one, my faith, and number two, I just always compete in everything that I do,” Miller said. “So, if I can do those two things, then I think the outcome will take care of itself.”

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.