Overview
- During the Vikings’ 27-24 Week 9 win in Detroit, Lions receiver Kalif Raymond hit Andrew Van Ginkel from the side just after the snap, yet Van Ginkel still tackled Jahmyr Gibbs for a 1-yard loss.
- Officials did not flag the play, and reporting notes it does not appear to meet the NFL’s current definitions of a crackback or illegal blindside block.
- Andrew Van Ginkel and linebacker Eric Wilson publicly criticized the hit, and Van Ginkel urged the NFL to consider removing such blocks for player safety.
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell showed the clip to the full team to underscore Van Ginkel’s awareness and effort on the play.
- Defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he did not view the hit as malicious and called it a bang-bang action, and as of the latest reporting no league fines or other discipline have been announced.