8 keys to success for the Minnesota Vikings 2020 season
By Dustin Baker
Odenigbo must register at least 35 pressures
“35” is random and arbitrary. Why? That’s how many pressures Everson Griffen logged in 2019. To emotionally and productively replace Everson Griffen who bolted to Texas, Ifeadi Odenidbo needs to rise to the occasion and come close to equaling Griffen’s gallant defensive output.
It will not be easy. Everson is a four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher. As much as fans want Odenigbo to become Griffen-esque, he must make the plays on gameday in order to do so. It’s a tall order.
However, Odenigbo did show late-season promise. He tallied seven sacks while playing only 34 percent of defensive snaps in 2019. The 26-year-old scored a touchdown in a Week 14 dismemberment of the Los Angeles Chargers in their psuedo stadium. He also came close to scoring yet another touchdown in the regular-season finale versus the Chicago Bears, but the play was called back due to penalty.
Odenigbo has the physical tools to make Griffen’s exodus feel seamless. Now, he must go to work.