Fueled by past grievances and a quest for 4-0, Minnesota’s defensive mastermind joins Andrew Van Ginkel to settle old scores against the franchise that let them go.
The stage is set. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is set to face his former team, the Miami Dolphins.
If you were uneasy about the Vikings' chances heading into the game, perhaps the fact that Flores has added motivation to perform well should alleviate those concerns.
Flores was not given adequate time to build a contender in Miami, though his Minnesota defense would indicate he is more than capable. Then again, impatience with head coaches been the story with Miami for over a decade. It's a huge reason why the team has failed to advance further than a trip to the postseason in recent years.
Jason Sarney of Dolphins Wire discussed Flores' return.
"Miami will see a few familiar faces on the defensive side of the ball. On the field, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will see his former team for the first time. Additionally, defensive coordinator and former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores will have his second meeting with the Dolphins since his firing following the 2021 season.
After his three years with Miami, where his record was 24-25, Flores spent one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. He then found a very good situation with the Vikings and has been excellent in his coordination with them since 2023. Flores also has legal matters that are still ongoing with the franchise."
Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) gets pressure on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Dec. 24, 2023.Flores is not the only former Dolphin returning to Miami for the game. Sarney discussed the return of former Dolphins fifth-round pick Andrew Van Ginkel.
"In what could be one of the toughest scenarios for the Miami franchise in not retaining a drafted player, Van Ginkel, a 2019 fifth-round pick, wasn’t given a consistent chance to be the player the Vikings have now. ...
Van Ginkel signed with the Vikings in 2024, and after a career season, he earned Pro Bowl honors and was a Second-Team All-Pro that season. Over the past two seasons and three games with the Vikings, he has been one of the better edge rushers in the league. He has put up statistics that put him in rare company with some of the game's current and former best at the position."
One can reasonably expect Flores and Van Ginkel to bring their best efforts to defeat Miami on Sunday. It's a huge reason why a letdown against the winless Dolphins is so unlikely.
The tandem will look to secure a win against their former team on Sunday to get the Vikings to 4-0 on the season.
