The Las Vegas Raiders want to maintain offensive consistency as they keep pace in the AFC playoff hunt.
As they travel to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins, they face a defense that has allowed 25 points per game but is still a solid unit overall.
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio got good play out of this defense in his first season in Miami. They are looking to keep that going against the Raiders.
The Dolphins have several stars on that side of the field, but one player who does not get talked about much is linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Ginkel has been one of the better linebackers in the NFL this season and has been incredibly important for the Dolphins defense.
With the Raiders looking to get their run game going, Van Ginkel has been able to stop the run well this season. He is currently Pro Football Focus’ eighth-ranked linebacker in 2023.
Van Ginkel, a former fifth-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, has not only carved out a role for himself with the Dolphins but has become one of their better defensive players.
This season, Van Ginkel has 35 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and two passes defended. In his five-year career, Van Ginkel has 216 career tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks.
Van Ginkel has thrived in Fangio’s system, as he is a highly intelligent linebacker who can blow up both run and pass plays. At 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds, Van Ginkel is good at stopping the run and rushing the passer.
According to PFF, Van Ginkel is primarily an outside linebacker in Fangio’s defense but can also play off-ball. His ability to provide multiple looks for the Dolphins could cause problems for the Raiders.
The Raiders will be focused on stopping defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but Van Ginkel also deserves consideration. He can stop Josh Jacobs from getting going and pressure Aidan O’Connell if the Raiders are not careful. Van Ginkel can cause them problems, harming their chances of winning.
The Silver and Black will head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.
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