141 passing yards, a touchdown and a 117.8 QB rating.
Not too shabby for a rookie's first game in the NFL.
Aidan O'Connell brought the juice to his first pro game, getting the start and going 15-of-18 in the Raiders' 34-7 victory over the 49ers on Sunday.
"There were a lot of firsts today for him. First play call, first [time] feeling pressure in the pocket, first two-minute drive, first halftime, all those things. I thought he generally handled himself well for the first opportunity," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said postgame.
"He's going to learn a lot from some of the things that we might've been able to do a little bit better that would've helped us maybe sustain a few drives, but that's what he was in there. He's a sponge. He soaks it all in. He'll take every opportunity to improve."
His teammates were equally impressed, but not surprised by the fourth-round pick's debut.
"I've seen the growth. I've seen him out there get comfortable and play with confidence," cornerback Duke Shelley said. "That's the biggest thing you want to see from a rookie, play with confidence."
O'Connell said he came into the game feeling fairly confident thanks to the last few months of OTAs, minicamp and Training Camp practices. Yet, he recognizes this is just the beginning of a long road of learning ahead.
"There's stuff I need to work on and stuff I didn't pick up on that I missed," he said. "The coaches do a great job in practice to try and prepare us like it's a game. … The game reps are different and they're priceless, but kudos to the coaches for doing such a good job of trying to prepare us."
On the Silver and Black's first drive of the game, the former Purdue Boilermaker drove the team down the field on a 10-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a Zamir White touchdown run to open scoring.
O'Connell connected with six different receivers throughout the game, and capped it off with his first NFL touchdown pass: a 9-yarder to Keelan Cole Sr.
What wasn't a first for O'Connell was being under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium. He took the field here in Las Vegas this past February during the annual East-West Shrine Bowl, where, as the starter for the East team, he went 6-of-16 for 61 yards – throwing for the most yards among the East quarterbacks on the team.
Fast-forward six months later and O'Connell is coming out of the tunnel at Allegiant sporting an NFL jersey, which the 24-year-old said helped calm some of the nerves he was feeling.
"We went out there in warmups – running out in an NFL jersey is really when a lot of the jitters went away," he said. "To be out there and hear the crowd yell and everything like that. You get into the flow of the game with the completions and getting hit a couple times – those help – but I was pretty confident today and just trying to do my job."
The Silver and Black have two more preseason games to go, where O'Connell will likely get more time to become comfortable with the change from college to the pros.
"You just hope to go out there and do your best and see what happens," the quarterback said. "Not worried about the stats. There's more things than just the stats, especially responsibility in the run game that I need to improve on. I know I have a lot of work to go still."
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) hands the ball off to running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Justin Herron (71) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) and cornerback Jakorian Bennett (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33), cornerback Jakorian Bennett (29) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaquan Johnson (26) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) makes a 9-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) celebrates with wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Netane Muti (54) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Justin Herron (71) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (47) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (47) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (47) celebrates after rushing for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Adam Plant (52) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) and defensive end Isaac Rochell (96) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) and cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (42) and linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) hands the ball off to running back Sincere McCormick (47) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Azizi Hearn (48) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Cam Sims (81) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (14) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 46-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (62) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) runs after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) runs after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (47) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (47) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Bryce Cosby (44) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (14) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83), tight end Cole Fotheringham (85), long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) and defensive end George Tarlas (79) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (62) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Drake Thomas (57) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Drake Thomas (57) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Bryce Cosby (44) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Damien Williams (32) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Justin Herron (71) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
