Dolphins linebacker Van Ginkel thriving in Fangio system
The phone call came around the time Andrew Van Ginkel had returned from free agent visits to the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders.
Even if the Dolphins weren’t dangling big money at the time (or ever), this much is clear: When legendary defensive coordinator Vic Fangio calls, you pick up the phone and listen.
Fangio “told me that I fit well in his defense and he’s got a good defense, and everything he does has a purpose to it and he can use me schematically and he is going to use me to my advantage and put me in position to make plays,” Van Ginkel recalled of that mid-March conversation.
That phone call set the stage for Van Ginkel’s return to the Dolphins on a one-year, $2.6 million contract. And that return has been fortuitous for both parties.
Van Ginkel played extensively at inside linebacker for the first time in his career against the Chargers after winning the “nickel” inside linebacker job in training camp, then wreaked havoc playing outside linebacker, in Jaelan Phillips’ absence, against the Patriots.
“Gink has got a horseshoe up his butt,” Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said. “He finds a way to be around the ball. Gink is one of the best football players on the team. Super reliable. He’s always in the right spots at the right time. He’s the most unassuming athlete in the world.”
Fangio didn’t initially tell Fangio that he envisioned him playing some inside linebacker. That disclosure came later.
“Obviously, Coach Fangio saw the versatility in me, and he knew that I could play multiple roles,” Van Ginkel said. “In two weeks, I’ve played two different roles already. Who knows what the future holds? I’m just very appreciative to be back here in Miami and being able to be a part of this team.”
Van Ginkel played 65 of Miami’s 74 defensive snaps against the Patriots, filling the stat sheet with six tackles, three quarterback hits, one sack, one pass defended and one tackle for loss.
“Van Ginkel probably knows the defense better than anyone because of the multiplicity,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “And that was a great move to get in front of and, with Vic — [assistant coaches Anthony] Campanelli, Ryan Slowik and Austin Clark kind of identifying the varied use — or the potential of — [Van Ginkel playing multiple positions]. It’s been instrumental for us. He’s a really good player.”
Biggest adjustment playing inside linebacker?
“A lot,” Van Ginkel said. “You’ve got to be the leader of the defense, you’ve got to make the calls.
“If there are different checks within each personnel grouping, you’ve got to really be on top of your stuff. They’re expecting you to communicate to everybody. You’ve got to know coverages, the front, the rushes.”
There’s a learning curve in a Fangio defense.
“He has high expectations,” Van Ginkel said. “There are adjustments and different ways to play each coverage. You’ve got to be able to communicate and be on top of it.”
Fangio, like most coaches, values players who are dependable, and Van Ginkel prides himself on being that.
“I think just my whole life [I was] being raised to be accountable,” Van Ginkel said. “Being dependable so they know that they can trust me. With the different formations, how ever they may attack us. I just try to be on top of it, and I think that allows me to play fast and be in the right spots.”
According to “Dolfans Weekly,” whether it’s a coincidence or no, there has been a clear link between team performance and Van Ginkel’s playing time in his career:
When Van Ginkel plays more than 70 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps, Miami is 14-5. The Dolphins are 7-1 when he plays more than 80 percent. But the Dolphins are 14-15 when he plays less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps.
“He’s an athlete, I’m telling you,” Wilkins said. “He’s the most unassuming athlete in the world there is. Don’t let the blonde hair and the niceguy demeanor fool you. Gink has some dawg in him.”
INJURY UPDATE
Receiver Jaylen Waddle did not practice Wednesday and remains in concussion protocol, leaving his status in question for Sunday’s home opener against Denver (1 p.m., CBS). Running back Salvon Ahmed (groin) missed Wednesday’s session and won’t practice Thursday, either. Cornerback Xavien Howard was not at practice because he given a veteran’s rest day.
Linebacker Phillips (back) returned to practice. Left tackle Terron Armstead, who missed the Dolphins’ first two games with three injuries, practiced Wednesday and will practice again on Thursday.