Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) calls out in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Garoppolo delivers late-game heroics in debut with Raiders

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/10/23

Jimmy Garoppolo delivered in his debut with the Las Vegas Raiders, as his late-game heroics helped the team capture a victory against the Denver Broncos.

On a go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter against the Broncos, Garoppolo completed 4 of 5 passes for 60 yards and connected with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers on a TD, giving Las Vegas a 17-16 lead with 6:34 left. He used his legs to convert on a critical third-and-7 during the game's final drive, sealing the victory.

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Overall, it was a solid debut for the 31-year-old, who signed a three-year $72.5M deal with Las Vegas in March. He completed 20-of-26 passes for 200 yards, two TDs, one interception and a 107.9 passer rating.

"The guys in the locker room know who they've got," Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels said of the QB following the victory, per Raiders reporter Levi Edwards. "I'm happy he's a Raider."

Given his injury history, the Raiders took a significant risk on Jimmy G. He missed 30 games in six seasons with San Francisco, with ankle issues, a broken foot and an ACL tear in 2018. However, Garoppolo is a winner, with a 41-17 starting record in 10 seasons. This is key since the Raiders lost nine one-possession games last season.

Furthermore, he knows McDaniels' system. He played for the HC for three seasons in New England while he served as the Patriots offensive coordinator. The Raiders offense looked smooth against Denver with 261 yards and 22 first downs.

So, the QB is a gamble, but he might be worthwhile, especially if he continues to win divisional games. The Raiders are first in the AFC West after each team in the division lost in Week 1.

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