Everson Griffen named NFC Defensive Player of the Week vs Panthers

Everson Griffen was named the Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the week 3 Minnesota Vikings victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Coming into Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, many experts still saw the Carolina Panthers as the team to beat in the NFC. Not only do they have the returning NFL Most Valuable Player, but they boast a wide variety of passing targets that can frustrate any opposing defense.

When the game started, it looked like the Panthers offense was going to push the Vikings around during the game. However, that didn’t last long, as Minnesota sacked Cam Newton 8 times and intercepted the former MVP 3 times in the game.

Much of the success for the defense can be attributed to the non-stop motor of defensive end Everson Griffen. The pass rusher made the day miserable for left tackle Michael Oher, racking up multiple sacks and making Cam run for his life during the game.

The efforts of Griffen did not go unnoticed during the week 3 game between Carolina and Minnesota by the NFL, and the league named him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

The Vikings made the announcement on their official Twitter account:

So far this season, the Vikings are doing very well when winning these conference based awards. During week 1, linebacker Eric Kendricks was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week and Week 2 saw wide receiver Stefon Diggs win the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

In fact, the streak goes back even farther, as Minnesota also won weekly conference awards the final two weeks of last season, with Blair Walsh and Everson Griffen bringing home awards.

It if fantastic to see the Minnesota Vikings getting recognition for their efforts. Particularly, it’s great the defense is getting recognized since they have been improving at a regular rate to become one of the most dominant units in the league.

Next: Full game-by-game 2016 Vikings season preview

Congratulations to Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on winning the week 3 NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. It is a well-earned recognition for a player who continues to be a very important part of the team’s smothering defense.