Andrew Van Ginkel’s Absence Is Dallas Turner’s Opportunity
It’s been more than two weeks since the Minnesota Vikings had Andrew Van Ginkel on the practice field in something other than street clothes.
Andrew Van Ginkel remains hurt for the Minnesota Vikings, and that means they need edge rusher Dallas Turner to step up.
The Minnesota Vikings have not announced publicly what is ailing their star edge rusher, but it’s clear he hasn’t been involved.
Last season, Van Ginkel signed with Minnesota after spending the entirety of his career with the Miami Dolphins. He immediately found familiarity with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The Vikings revamped pass rush paired Van Ginkel with Jonathan Greenard, and they wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
That was the plan again this season. Minnesota has a stout front seven, and the infusion of interior linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen should only make things more difficult. The problem is that with Van Ginkel off the field, they are down a starter.
The Time Is Now for Dallas Turner
Last year, after drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah jumped back up to grab Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. He was seen as slightly falling down the draft board, and Minnesota wanted to go and grab the added value. He didn’t fare all that well as a rookie, which has led to multiple questions and concerns this summer.
However, Turner is going to be someone that Flores must utilize in his defense, and really find a way to get going. If there is anything positive about a potential Van Ginkel injury, it’s that Turner is immediately required to be the next man up. Van Ginkel recorded 11.5 sacks for the Vikings last season. Turner finding some of that success while he has extended run could be a big boost.
Of course, there is plenty of promise surrounding Turner. He wouldn’t have been a standout in the SEC or a first-round pick if he weren’t talented. Last year, it was tough sledding finding a way onto the field with such talented veterans working ahead of him. By removing one of them, Turner has to quickly substantiate himself as a capable edge rusher and lessen the blow of Van Ginkel’s absence.
It might be a lot to ask of Turner, but you have to take the training wheels off at some point. When you’re forced to sink or swim, sometimes people respond with the best versions of themselves.
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