Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin is looking to shake off a tough 2018 campaign, where a lot of self-inflicted pressure caused him to take a step backward performance wise after a strong rookie season.
Griffin’s first game was a big step in the right direction, as the third year corner had multiple pass breakups and looked like the future star Seattle hoped for when they took him in the 2017 NFL draft.
“I feel like I played fairly well,” Griffin commented on Thursday. “I was very comfortable. I feel like that was the main thing I was looking for. Coming back week one, just wanting to be comfortable. Playing with instinct, not being robotic.”
Part of Griffin’s success can be attributed to a healthier mental state, but it was a physical change that led to some of that energy, fluidity and lack of fatigue that he felt in Week 1.
“Let’s see, last year, I was about 212. Now I’m 194 pounds,” Griffin continued. “So, I’ve lost a little bit of weight. I feel great. I feel great. I actually feel stronger now than I did before. I think I’m going to stick with that.”
Griffin said his weight loss has helped him with his agility, fatigue and ability to backpedal, all which clearly impact his performance on the field.
The mental side of football is a vastly important, and often not talked about, area that can impact a player’s performance on the field.
When a guy like Griffin is able to take care of things mentally, while also shedding 18 pounds and getting stronger – well – it could be a really nice season for Seattle’s right cornerback.
