The Vikings will sack Aidan O’Connell five times
Rookie Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell has performed admirably since Antonio Pierce elevated him to the starting role over Jimmy Garoppolo, but there’s enough to suggest he could have a miserable time going up against Brian Flores’s defense.
O’Connell hasn’t been great under pressure this season, ranking 11th among qualifying quarterbacks with a 57.7 passer rating. While O’Connell’s 84.3 passer rating when clean is 37th among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, he’s also had difficulty against the blitz, as his 73.6 passer rating ranks 10th.
O’Connell has improved in getting rid of the ball quickly, with just 2.52 seconds per pass attempt this season, but he also holds onto the ball too long in pressure situations, which led to Khalil Mack’s six-sack performance in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.
This plays into the hands of the Vikings' defense. Danielle Hunter continues to rank fourth in the NFL with 13.5 sacks this season, and he could be going up against an offensive line that could be without left tackle Kolton Miller.
Minnesota also hasn’t stopped blitzing, as Flores’s defense still has the highest blitz rate in the league at 47.6 percent.
Put it together, and the Vikings' pass rush could have a field day on Sunday afternoon.