The 2018 season was a rough one for Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen both on and off the field.
In 2019, he’s a team captain, and looks back to form.
The 31-year-old, three-time Pro Bowler finished with a sack against Matt Ryan and the Falcons on Sunday. He also had two quarterback hits.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer sounded very pleased with Griffen’s performance, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
In 2018, Griffen appeared in 11 games (fewest since rookie season in 2010) and had just 5.5 sacks (fewest since 2011).
By all accounts, it seems like Griffen is in a much better place mentally, which is good for the Vikings both on and off the field.
Having Griffen at his best changes the dynamic of this defense.
It’s worth noting that the Vikings have a club option for $13.5 million on Griffen next season. While it’s unlikely they’ll pay him that much, it’s worth noting that Griffen is pretty much in a contract season.
Money is always a good motivator, even for a player who has made nearly $56 million in his career.
