Andrew Van Ginkel Is Already Reaching Cult Hero Status
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was cooking with this year’s free-agency acquisitions, with several players making an immediate impact in Minnesota. You would be hard-pressed to pick one guy as the Vikings’ best FA signing, but Andrew Van Ginkel is already reaching cult hero status in Minnesota with a perfect blend of skill, toughness, and humility that has made him an immediate fan favorite.
Andrew Van Ginkel Is Already Reaching Cult Hero Status
Van Ginkel signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Vikings that already looks like a bargain. He comes to Minnesota after five seasons with Miami, where he was drafted when Vikings DC Brian Flores was the head coach. It’s easy to see why Flores would have been excited about a reunion with Van Ginkel. He’s not Myles Garrett or TJ Watt on the edge, but his versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Flores defense.Â
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
His ability to drop back into coverage is unmatched at the edge position, as evidenced by his two pick-sixes this season and a coverage grade from Pro Football Focus of 90.8 — first across the league. Flores’ defense is all about moving parts, and his players need to be able to line up in different positions, rush the passer, and drop back into coverage.
The disguise of who is coming and who is not making the defense work is massive, and having an OLB as good as Van Ginkel in coverage is crucial. Last season, we saw the Vikings’ edge defenders really struggle when dropping back into coverage.Â
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A mid-westerner with distinctive long blonde hair gives him the “Viking look,” the humble Van Ginkel doesn’t seek the limelight and is quick to play himself down and build his teammates up. Evidenced by all the excitement on the side for his pick-six of Aaron Rodgers, all Van Ginkel had to say was praise for Harrison Smith’s block that helped him take the ball home. Everything about the man lends himself to be a popular man in Minnesota, the lights-out play on the field has assured that Vikings fans love him already.
Incredible Start
Before the touchdown in London against the Jets, Van Ginkel announced himself with a pick-six of Daniel Jones on his Vikings debut. Through 5 games, Van Ginkel has 2 interceptions for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns, with a further 3 pass deflections. He also has 19 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Van Ginkel’s impact on the Vikings’ defense has been everywhere.
There are a few contenders for the Vikings’ best signing this season, and Van Ginkel is certainly one of them. Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones, Jonathan Greenard, and Stephon Gillmore have all been excellent acquisitions, and there’s even more beyond that. Regarding value for money, Van Ginkel has to be one of the best signings in the league.
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on July 25th, 2024. Flores was hired in February 2023 to take over for Ed Donatell after Minnesota finished 30th in points allowed.
His field production for what is a cheap contract for a starter at a premium position has been phenomenal. I would suggest that Van Ginkel’s contract, which is due to run out at the end of next season, will be in line for an extension in the offseason for one more year at minimum. I’d be inclined to add two more years myself.
The first five games of Van Ginkel’s career in  Minnesota have been fun. Here’s hoping too many more.
