With so many new players on the Las Vegas Raiders roster this season, it's difficult to gauge how good they could be.
A team does not sign a seasoned quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo to a $72.75 million contract unless they believe they can compete.
If things go south for the Raiders early on, they'll have to make some tough decisions.
Aidan O'Connell, a rookie fourth-round pick, impressed in the preseason but has yet to play against top opposition.
Steve Smith Sr., a former All-Pro wide receiver turned NFL Network commentator, believes the Raiders would replace Garoppolo with O'Connell during the 2023 season.
"Will Jimmy Garoppolo lose his starting job to a rookie for the second year in a row?" On a September 1 broadcast of "NFL Total Access," Smith was asked to make a big prediction for the 2023 season.
It's impossible to imagine Garoppolo being benched in favor of O'Connell until there's an injury.
The Raiders would have to have a disastrous start in order for the franchise to consider making that move.