Lions Receiver Kalif Raymond's Week 9 Block on Van Ginkel Deemed Not Malicious by Vikings DC

Detroit Lions receiver Kalif Raymond was involved in a controversial blindside block on Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel during the Week 9 game. While multiple Vikings defensive players initially claimed "dirty play," Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores took a softer stance, stating he "didn’t think it was malicious" and described it as a "bang-bang situation." Raymond, who was in motion, hit Van Ginkel from the side, knocking him down, though Van Ginkel still managed to tackle Jahmyr Gibbs for a one-yard loss. The block was apparently legal under existing rules, but Flores suggested the NFL might review it for a harder stance in the offseason, questioning if such a play should be permitted.