Raiders Preparing For Vikings' Blitz Tendency

It seems every new week is a different challenge for NFL rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders.

On Sunday, it will be recognizing and overcoming the pressure that the Minnesota Vikings defense brings when they come into Allegiant Stadium hoping to fluster the young quarterback and the rest of the Raiders' offense.

Minnesota leads the league with 231 total blitzes on opposing quarterbacks, and 47.6 percent of blitzes per drop-back.

"Obviously, they're going to bring a lot of pressure," O'Connell told reporters this week. "They do a lot of different things defensively. It's a defense that is going to try to throw a lot of stuff at you, and obviously, I know I'm a rookie, so they're going to do those types of things to me.

"And so, I'm just trying to prepare as best as possible. I think the coaches are doing a great job preparing us, putting in a great game plan. And I'm confident in myself and our guys to go out and execute."

Raiders Interim Coach Antonio Pierce said in his Friday press conference that his team recently experienced a similar hurdle.

"Well, I think we got a good practice run the week before with the Chiefs, right? Pierce said. "So, this will be a good one. It's a really good defense; we know it, right?

"Five-, six-man pressure. Blitz coverage -- they do a great job disguising it. We've talked enough about that.

"It will be critical -- I don't think it's really all on Aidan, right? Our offensive line, our running backs, our tight ends, our receivers need to be dialed in to what we're doing, understanding that they're going to bring plus-one. They've done it -- it doesn't matter what quarterback you are, what team you are; that's what they're going to do.

"And we're expecting it; hopefully we've repped it and prepped it enough that Aidan is comfortable in it."

O'Connell also mentioned the unity that it will take to pick up the blitz.

"I think it's not just one thing," O'Connell said. "I think because it's a team game, it takes everybody. And so, it starts with me trying to declare what defense we're going against, where the mike linebacker is, all those things.

"And so, we're trying our best to get on the same page with everybody, and so, I know I have a lot of responsibility in that to do my job well. And so, I take that seriously, and I care about doing the right thing. And I think the guys around me feel the same way.

"And so, it's a team sport -- that's why I play it. That's why I love it. And so, it takes everybody."

The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.

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