Andrew Van Ginkel becomes third Vikings player to win prestigious award after dominant performance vs. Seahawks

After two critical fourth quarter sacks to help seal the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel has won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different answer on whether or not Van Ginkel has been the […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) looks on before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

After two critical fourth quarter sacks to help seal the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel has won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

youtube placeholder image

Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different answer on whether or not Van Ginkel has been the defensive MVP for the Vikings this season. His impressive performance against the Seahawks was a great addition to his resume for the season.

Not only did Van Ginkel have two sacks, but he also tallied two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and five tackles on the day. He was used in a variety of ways and has elevated the Vikings' defense tenfold.

What's arguably more impressive is how many players under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell have won a Player of the Week award with 14 having won the award: four on special teams, five on offense and five on defense.

Just this season, Van Ginkel becomes the third player to win Player of the Week:

  • Jonathan Greenard: Week 3 vs. Houston Texans
  • Sam Darnold: Week 14 vs. Falcons

This might not be the last award either, as the Vikings are riding a red hot eight-game winning streak into Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.

Related Articles