Steelers Now
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that star versatile linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) will be out for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland. Van Ginkel did not practice all week.
As expected, J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was also officially ruled out. Carson Wentz will get the start. Center Ryan Kelly (concussion) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (chest) are good to go.
Van Ginkel played just eight snaps last week, but he had two sacks.
Andrew Krammer of The Minnesota Star Tribune said earlier this week that he expected the Vikings to try to “take it easy” with Van Ginkel this Sunday.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if they really try to take it easy on a guy that when he is healthy, he can be one of the more physical edge setting defenders that they got,” Krammer said.
Through three games, the Vikings rank sixth in total defense and are No. 3 in pass defense. The Vikings lead the NFL with seven forced fumbles. To say the least, the Vikings defense presents a daunting task for the Steelers offense.
Van Ginkel plays a key part in Brian Flores’ defense.
“They’ve invested a lot. They got good edge players, (same with) the interior D-line. The safeties have been in that scheme for a couple of years. It’s a damn good defense,” Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said Thursday. ” Well-coached. They’ve had consistency over there which helps, too. Draft guys for a certain scheme and develop guys. They’re a damn good defense. Every Sunday you have matchups. This will be a good challenge. We’re looking forward to it.”
Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers had a pick-six and scoop and score in the Vikings’ 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He also had a forced fumble. Rodgers credits the Vikings’ aggressive defense and turnover culture to Flores.
“It’s Flo’s defense. He’s a phenomenal coach,” Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “He was (in Pittsburgh) a few years ago. It’s good to see him in a position of leadership. Hopefully, he probably should, at some point get another head coaching job based off the way that he’s coached defense the last couple of years. The schemes that he runs and they way they’re coach, there’s a lot of good chemistry on that side. It doesn’t just come from players, there’s a schematic approach there that is really impressive and the players obviously make it go once the call his made.”
Rodgers will also have his head on a swivel with Flores’ disguised blitzes and coverages.
“They’re going to bring pressure at some point. You have to have some ideas to combat that,” Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said of Flores’ defense. “You got to expect it. They do a good job of disguising it, everything looks the same. You don’t want them to get going and sack you a bunch and play behind the sticks.”
Rodgers will have one less player to worry about with Van Ginkel sidelined.
*Alan Saunders provided reporting...
