Raiders Must Watch for Dolphins LB Van Ginkel

The Las Vegas Raiders must account for Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who is having a stellar season.

The Las Vegas Raiders want to maintain offensive consistency as they try to 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 ball, but one player who does not get talked about much is linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who has been one of the better linebackers in the NFL this season.

With the Raiders looking to get their running game going, Van Ginkel has been able to stop the run well this season. He is 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.

The Las Vegas Raiders must be mindful of Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

This season, Van Ginkel has 35 total tackles, seven tackles for losses, four sacks and two passes defended. In his five-year career, Van Ginkel has 216 career tackles, 30 tackles for losses and 15 sacks.

Van Ginkel has thrived in Fangio’s system, as he is a highly intelligent linebacker who can blow up both running and passing 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 the 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. 

Van Ginkel can stop running back Josh Jacobs from getting going and pressure quarterback Aidan O’Connell if the Raiders are not careful. Van Ginkel can cause them problems, harming their chances to of win.

The Silver and Black head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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