Making the Leap - Everson Griffen

[HardcoreVikesFan]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200000 ... on-griffen

In a rotational role the past two seasons, one of Griffen's attributes that jumps out is his ability to cause havoc in the pocket. He consistently pushed the line forward in passing situations, whether from the outside or inside positions. In 2013, Pro Football Focus charted Griffen in the top 20 for 4-3 defensive ends in both total quarterback pressures with 52 and pass-rushing productivity with a 9.5 -- ahead of the likes of Lamarr Houston and Chandler Jones.

I should point out that Michael Johnson didn't break out until he became the Cincinnati Bengals' permanent starter in his fourth season under Zimmer, when he jumped from six sacks to 11.5 in 2012. It's safe to say Griffen's contract was another case of an NFL team paying for what a player will become, not what he has already done.

Good read if you have the time. Everson has been one of my favorites since we took him in the 4th round in 2010. In fact, next to Harrison Smith/Teddy Bridgewater, he is my favorite on the team now that Kevin is gone. I am expecting big things from Everson Griffen this year and I don't think he will disappoint.

[dead_poet]

Thanks for the link. I liked this bit:

"We attack now. Our coach lets us attack now," Griffen said recently, per KSTP-AM. "We make plays. I feel like we're go-getters. We're not waiting for them to strike. We're going to strike them before they strike us."

It's hard not to get excited for Griffen and the defense this season.

[jackal]

I really liked Allen and Willams but they were in serious decline(especially Kevin Willams)

The only thing Allen ever did that bothered me was refusal to come off the field. IMO this really

hurt his numbers, due to the fact he was very tired in games and hurt the development of over

players like Griffen.

[2greg]

Griffen is one of those huge ones going forward. If he isn't that much it really sets us back.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Griffen is one of those huge ones going forward. If he isn't that much it really sets us back.

I am not sure if it will 'really set us back.' It may hurt our cap space going forward, but it is not like Everson is our touted franchise QB. As much as I wanted Jared to stay here, honestly, Allen probably would have only lasted about two more seasons.


I think Griffen will make a huge leap this year. We have all seen him flash his talent throughout his career. I think being a full-time starter will bring out his potential.