Never mind that the Vikings had a comfortable lead on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. It felt like if the Washington Commanders could make it a game if they found a way to score a touchdown coming out of halftime.
That feeling went out the window when edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted a screen pass near the line of scrimmage. He read the eyes of quarterback Jayden Daniels to perfection, tipped the ball in the air, then caught it in stride before racing 40 yards the other way.
That interception from Van Ginkel helped the Vikings pull away for good in a 31-0 win over the Commanders. It served as the highlight from an incredible effort from the defense across the board.
“I had a feeling they were going to run that play,” Van Ginkel said. “I was able to jump in front of it and get it tipped up in the air so I could go make a play on it.”
You would think opponents have learned by now not to throw a screen pass anywhere near Van Ginkel with how many times he’s made that exact type of interception in his career.
“I’m shocked that they threw it to his side,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said with a smile. “It was absolutely great to see.”
Asked if he’s surprised that opponents continue to test him in that situation, Van Ginkel credited defensive coordinator Brian Flores for always putting him in the right spot, noting that some of the exotic looks the Vikings present before the snap force the issue.
“Just with how much we blitz and how much we put pressure on the quarterbacks, they have to do something to get the ball out quick,” Van Ginkel said. “If they don’t, they’re going to get sacked.”
There have been a few near misses from Van Ginkel this season. He’s gotten his hands on a screen passes near the line of scrimmage only to have the ball harmlessly hit the ground. He wasn’t going to miss this time around.
“It comes with instincts and having a knack for the game,” Van Ginkel said. “I feel like I have a good understanding of when there’s an opportunity to make a play like that.”
His teammates emphasized that it’s much harder than he makes it seem.
“It’s really high level even if it looks like nothing when he does it,” safety Harrison Smith said. “I don’t know how he sees the field so well from up there. It’s easier on the backend. He’s got probably the best awareness I’ve seen from a guy up near the line of scrimmage.”
That speaks to how much Van Ginkel can impact the game.
“He’s a complete player,” defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said. “He can definitely rush the passer and get sacks. He can also make huge plays for us in coverage. He’s a unicorn that can do both.”
The only issue for Van Ginkel on his interception was the fact that he was tackled roughly 30 yards from the end zone.
“I was looking up at the scoreboard trying to figure out how close he was,” Van Ginkel said. “I probably should’ve stiff armed him.”
It made for some good banter in the locker room after the Vikings put the finishing touches on a win they so desperately needed.
“I thought he was going to house it,” edge rusher Jonathan Greenard said with a smile. “We’ve got to work on his top end speed.”
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