7 takeaways from the first two weeks of Vikings OTAs

Griffen looking like his old self

2018 was likely the most difficult season Everson Griffen has had since joining the Vikings in 2010. Griffen missed five games last year to tend to his mental health and he finished with only 5.5 sacks, his lowest single-season total since becoming a starter in 2014.

Over the past few weeks, Minnesota’s veteran pass rusher hasn’t been shy about commenting on the events of last season. While he had a very valid excuse, Griffen knows he didn’t play his best last year and he’s determined to get back to being a pass-rushing monster in 2019.

In a recent interview with KFAN’s Paul Allen, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said the veteran defensive end, “looks like the old Everson.” Zimmer also mentioned that Griffen tried to tackle him during practice this past week, so it sounds like the Minnesota pass rusher is also back to having fun out on the field.

If the Vikings can get Griffen back to playing like he did from 2015 to 2017 when he made three straight Pro Bowls, then the team’s defense could end up being near the top of the NFL, once again, next season.