The quarterback picture in Las Vegas is still taking shape, but Raiders coach Klint Kubiak made it clear the competition isn’t being treated like a one-man show.
Kubiak said Aidan O’Connell, Kirk and Fernando all deserve time with the first team. “Whether it’s Aidan O’Connell, Kirk or Fernando, I would say all 3 of those guys deserve first team reps.
But we’ve got to go put a plan together on how we’re gonna split them up.” He also pointed to Kirk as the player currently getting the work with the starters, adding, “Kirk’s been getting the reps with the 1s.
I think he’s had a solid training camp, and it’s his job to lose.”
Kubiak also described how he wants his offense to be viewed. Rather than leaning into flash, he said the emphasis stays on the basics.
“I think I’d rather be known for being fundamentally sound. That’s the things that we stress offensively.
As you put more and more film on tape, you get more and more predictable so you’ve got to keep finding ways to evolve. But, as a coach, I’d rather be much more about the basics and being great at fundamentals.
That’s what we harp on.”
In Kansas City, Andy Reid offered an update on a couple of offensive linemen and said the Chiefs are still working through Trey Smith’s hip issue. Reid said, “Trey is doing [well].
He’s getting close. I’m not sure you’ll see him this week.”
Reid also addressed the recent swap between Kahlil Benson and Jaylon Moore along the offensive line. “Benson held his own at the guard spot in the game… They need to be able to play both.
It’s a good experience for them. It’s not one or the other.”
And on the defensive side, Chiefs edge Emmanuel Ogbah said a return to Kansas City always felt like it was coming. “I always knew I was going to come back, just didn’t know when.
… I just knew there was something left for me in Kansas City. I’m glad I was able to make it work.”
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Training camp and the preseason have offered the kind of early signs Raiders fans have been waiting for, with the ground game showing more life than it has in years. Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington have both flashed in the backfield, and while August can only tell you so much, the runs have at least hinted that Las Vegas may finally have something worth building on when the games start to count. [Read more 🡒]