Everson Griffen looking to get back on track in 2019

Last season was a struggle for Everson Griffen on and off the football field but he is focused on returning to form in 2019 with the Minnesota Vikings.

What happened with Everson Griffen last year is still a bit of a confusing situation. He took time away from the team to deal with some personal issues and never seemed to get back to his high level of play when he did return to to the Minnesota Vikings.

Griffen registered his lowest sack total since 2013 last season, partially because he missed five games last season. However, it also has to be said that Everson wasn’t a starter in 2013, as he was behind Jared Allen on the depth chart.

Recently, a video was shared on the official website of the Minnesota Vikings where he spoke about what happened last season, taking a pay cut during the offseason, and his expectations heading into 2019, which was shared on Pro Football Focus.

"“As we all know, I had a rough year last year. [I] took some time off the field to go handle some personal issues. And, you know, when I came back, I didn’t play that well. I had a lot going on in my personal life. I was dealing with a lot.”"

If Griffen is mentally prepared for the 2019 NFL season, he could be in for one of the best years of his career. Danielle Hunter has exploded on to the scene last season and registered 14.5 sacks despite not having Griffen opposite him to create more pressure. Since Griffen is a three-time Pro Bowl player and only 31 years old, expectations should be high for him as a pass rusher.

Griffen’s Pro Football Focus overall rating fell 16.4 points last season with his pass rush grade dipping a whopping 24.2. However, anyone who has watched him over the years knows he is a very capable player who should be primed for a big return this year.

Despite that, Griffen knows he didn’t perform up to his own standards or the team’s standards. In fact, his play is one reason the team approached him to restructure his contract to free up more salary cap, which the defensive end agreed to.

"“Last year, I wasn’t myself,” Griffen said. “If I was myself, I wouldn’t have to take a pay cut… If I was playing at the level I know I can play at each and every year.”"

Whether or not the team would have approached Griffen if his play was high-caliber last year or not will remain unknown, but by the sound of that statement, it appears as though Everson himself felt he let himself and the team down.

Knowing the high energy and emotions Everson Griffen shows on and off the field, it’s no surprise that the intensity can get to him. But if he is mentally and physically ready for the 2019 NFL season, opposing offenses had better look out for the pass rush duo the Minnesota Vikings have to offer.