4 keys to victory for the Vikings vs. the Lions in Week 9
By Dean Jones
Keep Everson Griffen quiet
Everson Griffen has had a lot to say this week. The former Minnesota Vikings defensive end seemed disrespected by head coach Mike Zimmer calling him a “good player” in the build-up and will be looking to prove a point against a team he gave a significant amount to.
Just what sort of point the defensive end is trying to make is up dor debate. Griffen opted out of his deal after getting the necessary sacks needed to trigger a clause in his contract, which left the Vikings with little alternative other than to move on from the Pro Bowler given their precarious salary-cap situation.
If Griffen wanted to stay in Minnesota, he didn’t go the best way about it.
Things haven’t exactly gone according to plan for the player since his departure. A long spell on the free-agent scrapheap was followed by a move to the Dallas Cowboys, where he struggled to make an impact and was subsequently traded to the Lions to link-up with another ex-Viking in Adrian Peterson.
Griffen’s production in Minnesota was exceptional. His resolve to come back from some difficulties off the field is a testament to the sort of character he is and the last thing Minnesota will want in this one is for the player to get up a head of steam.
Just how much Griffen plays is another matter. But Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill will be all-too-aware of his threat after spending so long coming up against him in practice.