Aidan O’Connell must be ready for Minnesota to bring heat to the desert in the Raiders-Vikings game.

Brian Flores is one of the NFL’s most aggressive defensive play-callers.

During their Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, the Las Vegas Raiders will be faced with a somewhat unusual play-caller. Brian Flores, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, has earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s most blitz-happy coaches in recent years.

Flores’ defenses had the second-highest blitz rate in the league during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, at 40.8 and 39.6 percent, respectively, when he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Even though he’s with a different team, he’s been turning up the heat even more as the Vikings rank first in blitz rate at 47.6 percent. With the Raiders starting a rookie quarterback, that trend is likely to continue.

When asked about the best aspects of Minnesota’s defense, Aidan O’Connell immediately mentioned Flores’ play-calling.

“Yeah, obviously they’re going to bring a lot of pressure,” O’Connell said at a press conference on Wednesday. “They do a lot of different defensive things; the defense will try to throw a lot of stuff at you.” And obviously, I know I’m a rookie, so they’re going to do those kinds of things to me, so I’m just trying to prepare as best I can. I believe the coaches are doing an excellent job of preparing us and developing a solid game plan. “I’m confident in myself and our team to execute.”

According to Pro Football Focus, the fourth-round pick has been blitzed 49 times this season, accounting for slightly more than 25% of dropbacks. So far, he’s done well, with a 78.0 adjusted completion percentage (after drops and throwaways) that ranks tied for eighth among quarterbacks.

That’s nearly five percentage points higher than his figure when not facing a blitz, but O’Connell does have a 4.0 percent ‘turnover-worthy’ throw rate when defensive coordinators turn up the heat, which is tied for 11th-highest. Those incidents undoubtedly provided a few learning opportunities for the rookie.

“Because it’s a team game, it takes everybody,” he explained when asked about his knowledge of blitzes, “and so it starts with me trying to declare what defense we’re going against, where the MIKE linebacker is, all those things.” So we’re doing our best to get everyone on the same page.

“I understand that I have a lot of responsibility to do my job well, so I take that seriously and care about doing the right thing.” And I believe the guys around me are feeling the same way. It’s a group effort. That’s why I enjoy playing it. That is why I adore it. As a result, it requires everyone.”

We’ll see how O’Connell handles the pressure from Flores on Sunday, but interim head coach Antonio Pierce was clearly inspired by the rookie’s recent performance and appears confident in him going into the game.

“Since I’ve become the head coach,” Pierce said of O’Connell’s development, “the first three games were cool, and that last game, man, that kid played well.” He performed admirably. He gave us a chance.

“He gave us a chance to win, took care of the football, made the necessary adjustments and corrections, was poised, calm, and didn’t blink, and that’s what we want to see.” And I believe that everyone around him is performing at their peak, which is exactly what we require.

“… If everyone does this, it will benefit a young quarterback as well.” You can see it in the way he walks through the building and talks, but more confidence comes with wins, and we need that production as well.”

With only five games remaining and many offseason changes expected for the Silver and Black, O’Connell’s performance on Sunday will be crucial as he attempts to establish himself as a starting quarterback in the National Football League.